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Cold Feet: episode guide

Pilot | Series 1 | Series 2 | Series 3 | Series 4 | Series 5

Pilot

UK: Sunday, March 30, 1997 (ITV)
Written by Mike Bullen
Directed by Declan Lowney

When her boyfriend Simon's climb up the career ladder takes him to Hong Kong, Rachel Bradley finds herself unceremoniously dumped over dessert. "Why are men such bastards" she tearfully asks her pal, Karen.

Stranded out in stockbroker belt, Karen is more than happy to provide a shoulder for Rachel to cry on—even if it is covered in baby sick. In fact, any form of adult conversation provides a welcome distraction from incessant baby burblings. Her husband David's flat refusal to employ a nanny continues to infuriate her. Alternately throwing dinner parties and wobblers, she resolves to make him see sense—one way or another.

Meanwhile, serial monogamist Adam Williams is finishing with his latest conquest in time honoured fashion. His customary, but totally meaningless, 'We can still be friends' meets with a sharp slap round the face.

The sympathetic shoulder in Adam's life goes by the name of Pete Gifford—friend, (tor)mentor and revered beer buddy. Usually more than happy, over a pint or six, to hear Adam's latest litany of women he has known and shoved, this time Pete's got his own problems. The Gifford household is awash with fertility charts and wife, Jenny, in her relentless quest for a baby, is wearing him out with conjugals on demand.

After their latest romantic disappointments, neither Adam nor Rachel have love on their shopping list, but then a chance collision in a supermarket car park brings them bumper to bumper. However, for Adam old habits die hard and while his heart burns with passion, his feet are distinctly on the chilly side.

Cast: James Nesbitt as Adam Williams, Helen Baxendale as Rachel Bradley, John Thomson as Pete Gifford, Fay Ripley as Jenny Gifford, Robert Bathurst as David Marsden, Hermione Norris as Karen Marsden, Stephen Mapes as Simon Atkinson, Kathryn Hunt as Pru, John Griffen as Andrew, Mark Andrews as Howard, Mark Crowshaw as Waiter, Mike Bullen as Actor, Lewis Hancock as Evangelist, Pauline Jefferson as Old Lady, Jeremy Turner-Welch as Neighbour, David Harewood as Police Sergeant