This Is England '88 sees Meadows picks up the action in the Christmas of 1988 as Lol struggles to cope with what life has thrown at her. Haunted by the devastating events that took place 18 months previously, she finds her reserves of strength ebbing away. With her soul mate Woody, heartbroken from her betrayal and in self-imposed exile from the gang, Lol becomes increasingly isolated and alone. In the first film it's December 23 and life isn't looking so festive for some. Lol is struggling to cope with new responsibilities and past haunts. Smell and Shaun are still together, just about. Shaun's gone all lothario attending drama college, preparing for the Christmas play with new girl in town, Fay. And Woody has a new girlfriend, the lovely Jennifer. Lovely, but no Lol - the polar opposite to Lol. Milky returns from some time away, but what reception will he get?.

It's Christmas Eve and there's a decision to make. Woody's been offered a promotion at work - fast-track up the management ladder or motorway to mediocrity, depends on how you look at it. Lol's crying out for help. She pays a visit to Combo in prison. Shaun takes centre stage for his acting debut. In true style the gang all attend, well, all apart from Woody. Smell's suspicions are heightened when she walks in on Shaun and Fay's intimate rehearsals backstage. There's an after-show party. 'Tis the season to be jolly, but is it all going to end in tears?.

It's Christmas Day; Shaun's messed up big style this time and it's hit him hard. The gang is getting merry until they bump head first into Woody and Jennifer. It's the first time Woody and Milky have seen each other since... punches fly, it's messy. Things are coming to a head for Lol too; she's not coping and is struggling to find any kind of peace. It's gotta get worse before it gets better. This is Christmas, This is England '88.