When Fiona Gallagher's bag is stolen on a night out in Manchester, a man called Steve comes to her rescue and he accompanies her back to her home in Chatsworth, an inner city council estate. The pair begin to get close, until they are interrupted by the police bringing in her passed out alcoholic father, Frank. Meanwhile, Lip makes some discoveries regarding his brother Ian's sexuality and secret relationship with local shopkeeper Kash. Karen's father leaves home after catching her in a compromising position.