Local news reporter Chris Hawthorne (David Roper - Eastenders) and his wife, Fliss (Diane Keen - The Sandbaggers), had lived a frugal but contented life with their twin babies and few material possessions, punctuated by occasional visits from Fliss' mum Connie, and eccentric neighbour Austen Tweedale. All that changed, however, when they took in newly single lodger Gavin Rumsey (Lewis Collins - The Professionals). Having filled the house with expensive furniture, flashy gadgets and a succession of decorative young temps , his flamboyant lifestyle has left the hard-up Hawthornes feeling distinctly squeezed out...