The Pearson family attempt to deal with the aftermath of dad Joe's stroke. Pauline has got a job to support the family whilst Jack and Sarah have a baby on the way and need to find a place to live. Denise, Jack's ex-girlfriend, is also pregnant. Vicky wants to improve her life but her boyfriend Gervaise could stand in her way.

Sarah and Jack might have moved out, but Dot's now moving in and soon attracts the attention of a man called Arthur. Pauline's being bullied at work. Sarah wants Jack to sort their new home out, so he turns to Big Keith for help. Jack finally manages to get a proper book deal, but it's for something he never intended to have published.

Pauline is away on a training day and Joe and Dot play, in the good room, breaking all the rules. Arthur tells Joe about his intentions towards his mother, but Joe wishes he hadn't told him. Vicky attempts to help Gervaise with the photoshoot for his album.

Sarah's dad, Ben, shows up in town and she learns that he left his wife, Susan. Vicky is producing Gervaise's album in the recording studio and she gets Lindsay's help, which makes her boyfriend sick with jealousy. Jack knows that he has to be honest with Sarah about the book, his pregnancy diary from a man's point of view, but finds it hard to get the words out.

Jack's secret has been revealed to everyone in town who reads The Observer, which has published part of his pregancy diary book. Things do not go to plan when Jack attempts to tell Sarah before she reads the article. Swayze's have placed a huge order for cupcakes for a relaunch party.

Sarah's got her PhD and is offered an incredible job abroad, but decides to turn it down because of the family. Joe's rehabilitation is underway and all he has to do is take the car for a drive and then if he can walk to the pub he can have a drink. Vicky wonders if Lindsay is such a perfect man after all. Jack realises that Sarah's opportunity is too good to refuse and with a bit of help from Denise, they decide to start a new life away from Hebburn.

Ben and Susan show up on Christmas Eve in Hebburn along with Susan's mum Millie, who clashes with Dot. Jack and Sarah fly in from Switzerland with tales of the whitest snow and the greatest university, but soon admit that their life isn't quite as good as it seems. Pauline and Susan manage to forge an unlikely bond over the festivities, as do Dot and Millie.