TV series
A Drama To Diet For
Fat Friends is an ITV drama created by Kay Mellor, broadcast from 12 October 2000 to 24 March 2005. It follows a group of overweight people, their laughter and pain and addresses the absurdities of dieting in our modern age. It examines people and how they relate to one another and use body weight as an excuse for all sorts of failings in their relationships, or not living their lives to the full. Four cast members—Ruth Jones, James Corden, Sheridan Smith, and Alison Steadman—went on to appear in Gavin & Stacey.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Fat Friends is available to stream on Prime Video, Amazon Freevee, The Roku Channel, and Tubi in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Fat Friends is an ITV drama created by Kay Mellor, broadcast from 12 October 2000 to 24 March 2005. It follows a group of overweight people, their laughter and pain and addresses the absurdities of dieting in our modern age. It examines people and how they relate to one another and use body weight as an excuse for all sorts of failings in their relationships, or not living their lives to the full. Four cast members—Ruth Jones, James Corden, Sheridan Smith, and Alison Steadman—went on to appear in Gavin & Stacey.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
The group return from the Spanish vacation they won from Trisha. Betty can't wait to get home to see her long-lost son Simon, and Kelly struggles between raising her baby and helping Kevin run the fish and chip shop.
Directed by John DeeryWritten by Kay MellorGuest stars James Corden, David Harewood, Barrie Rutter, Bill Rodgers, Oliver Pickering, Julian Kerridge, Ian Kershaw, Janine Mellor
Episode 2
Feeling abandoned by her mum and with her marriage on the rocks, Kelly flees the shop and leaves Kevin alone with the baby. With Max's influence, she decides to take extra aerobic courses, all while trying to resist his charming temptations. Meanwhile, Kevin gets unexpected help from a pretty bystander in the chip shop, adding to Kelly's temperament.
Directed by Lance KneeshawWritten by Gaynor FayeGuest stars Gaynor Faye, David Harewood, Barrie Rutter, Bill Rodgers, Oliver Pickering, Ian Kershaw, Janine Mellor
Episode 3
Norma throws herself into pensioner speed-dating and, after two glasses of wine, decides to advertise herself on the local radio lonely hearts phone-in. It's not long before a queue of eligible men forms around the block but it's dashing Eddie who captures her heart. Bowling, dancing, and romancing ensue—and soon a weekend in Filey is on the cards. But is Eddie all he seems?
Directed by Lance KneeshawWritten by Ruth JonesGuest stars Gaynor Faye, James Corden, David Harewood, Julian Kerridge, Janine Mellor
Episode 4
Claire and her little girl have moved in with Jamie, but are her feelings of sickness more than just a dodgy curry? The barmaid at Woody's seems to know the answer and so much more, as she doesn't even know Claire by that name. Rebecca suspects the truth, but keeps her mouth shut until it's too late.
Directed by Lance KneeshawWritten by Gaynor FayeGuest stars Gaynor Faye, James Corden, Julian Kerridge, James Quinn, Janine Mellor, Ger Ryan
Episode 5
The friends head off for a free health spa weekend. Carol has done a dodgy deal as all of a sudden the group are booked for a sketchy photo shoot. Max and Carol flirt what ends up a bit more then both suspected. Carol learns about Max's past and decides not to go with him. Lauren has decided that this is her chance to get beautified before the wedding, and Norma seems more intent on eating the fruit then wearing it.
Directed by John AndersonWritten by Debbie OatesGuest stars Gaynor Faye, James Corden, David Harewood, Paul Warriner, Oliver Pickering, Julian Kerridge, Ian Kershaw, James Quinn
Episode 6
Lauren's wedding day approaches; she's always been the skinniest of the bunch but not without problems. Having found her dream man in vicar Paul, she also gets a shot at fame as a weathergirl. Only Paul seems jealous of her success, while her parents refuse to attend. She's got a fabulous frock and a man willing to sacrifice for her... Can she get her happy ending?
Directed by John AndersonWritten by Kay MellorGuest stars Gaynor Faye, David Harewood, Barrie Rutter, Paul Warriner, Oliver Pickering, Julian Kerridge, Ian Kershaw, Jessica Harris
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Ruth JonesKelly Chadwick
Janet DibleyCarol McGary
Alison SteadmanBetty Simpson
Gaynor FayeLauren Harris
James CordenJamie Rymer
Lisa RileyRebecca Patterson
Lynda BaronNorma Patterson
Jonathan RylandKevin Chadwick
ITV1United Kingdom
Yorkshire TelevisionUnited Kingdom
Tiger AspectUnited KingdomMore shows like Fat Friends.
