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
Carol faces her own problems when her husband leaves, leaving her alone with her son. Things take a darker turn when she decides to go on a diet.
Directed by Audrey CookeWritten by Kay MellorGuest stars Gaynor Faye, Jonathan Ryland, Barrie Rutter, Paul Warriner, Bill Rodgers, Josie Lawrence, Oliver Pickering, Jessica Harris
Episode 2
Now unemployed, Lauren is seeking Mr Right after splitting up with commitment-phobic Gareth. What's not helpful is her sister's happy marriage and pregnancy making Lauren all too aware of her single status.
Directed by Audrey CookeWritten by Kay MellorGuest stars Gaynor Faye, Paul Warriner, Josie Lawrence, Caroline Pegg, Eleanor Bron, Allan Corduner, Sarah Miller
Episode 3
Birthday blues are the least of Val's problems. Mistrust, jealousy, and insecurity turn her world upside down after she confronts her male escort lover about what he gets up to with his clients.
Directed by Tania DíezWritten by Jayne DanielGuest stars Gaynor Faye, Paul Warriner, Jason Merrells
Episode 4
The arrival of divorce papers send Alan's blood pressure rocketing, with the result that he fails a medical and loses his job.
Directed by Dan ZeffWritten by Kay MellorGuest stars Bill Rodgers, Barbara Marten, Holly Scourfield, Stephen Hoyle
Episode 5
Jamie thinks his fortunes have changed when he makes the acquaintance of secondhand car dealer Craig. He spends his birthday money on flash clothes and a mobile phone in a desperate bid to fit in with Craig's friends, but soon realises his new friend is a shady operator with a criminal past — can his policeman father help him cut his ties with the shady crowd?
Directed by Dan ZeffWritten by Gaynor FayeGuest stars Jessica Harris, James Quinn, Ger Ryan
Episode 6
Despite being overweight, Rebecca Patterson is generally content with life – particularly with her job as assistant manager at a garden centre that allows her to work alongside the man she secretly adores. But the shy and retiring twentysomething's cosy world is shattered by the return of a figure from her past, who proceeds to subject her to cruel psychological tortures.
Directed by Tania DíezWritten by Lisa HoldsworthGuest stars Gaynor Faye, Jonathan Ryland, Josie Lawrence, Julian Kerridge
Episode 7
Betty's already stressful life takes another twist when her childhood sweetheart joins the slimming club, prompting the return of long-suppressed feelings and revelations about a dark secret from her past.
Directed by Audrey CookeWritten by Kay MellorGuest stars Gaynor Faye, Jonathan Ryland, Barrie Rutter, Paul Warriner, Bill Rodgers, Oliver Pickering, Ian Kershaw, Laurel Gibb
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
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