Life with the cash-strapped Boswell clan - Carla Lane’s classic sitcom

Bread Christmas Special 1990

Christmas Special 1990. Peter Howitt stars in Carla Lane’s classic sitcom about life for the cash-strapped Boswell clan in 80s Liverpool, where small things cause big headaches.

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Meet the Boswells - they're penniless & jobless but life's never stale

Carla Lane's 80s sitcom set in working-class Liverpool. Meet the Boswells: they're penniless and jobless, with little hope of things improving - but life's never stale.

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Joey claims an 'incontinence allowance' for Grandad.

Joey claims an 'incontinence allowance' for Grandad and Billy enters the unscrupulous world of antiques.

Billy learns that opals are bad luck when he buys a ring for Julie.

Freddie's mistress has left him, so he decides to pay the Boswells a visit.

Freddie's mistress has left him, so he decides to pay the Boswells a visit - and is met with very different reactions.

A photographer takes advantage of Aveline, while Jack dabbles in art.

The Boswells decide upon a burial at sea when Freddie's seafaring brother dies.

Adrian loses his job, Billy's girlfriend is pregnant, and Ma is none too pleased.

Adrian loses his job, Aveline appears topless in a magazine, and Jack finds stolen property in his van. Worst of all, Billy's girlfriend is pregnant, much to Ma's disgust.

Jack gets held at gunpoint while doing a job and needs to rely on all his Boswell guile and bluff to get out of trouble.

Will all run smoothly for the Boswells when Caroline finally goes into labour?

Joey promises Billy the use of his Jaguar.

Joey promises Billy the use of his Jaguar and Jack and Adrian run into trouble with some local thugs when a deal goes wrong.

Adrian is put through the wringer when he attempts to apply for social benefits.

Adrian is put through the wringer when he attempts to apply for social benefits and Aveline reveals she has met a nice boy in London.

Freddie returns to the fold, Aveline is still missing and Julie leave home with the baby.

Mongy, the family dog, needs an operation.

Mongy, the family dog, needs an operation. The problems of Freddie, Aveline and Julie are all resolved in their different ways.

Billy and Julie decide to have their baby christened in a Protestant church.

To Mrs Boswell's horror, Billy and Julie decide to have their baby christened in a Protestant church, and Jack and Joey have their doubts about Adrian's new job.

It's Grandad's 75th birthday, and Jack and Adrian buy him a present which turns out to be more valuable than they think. Joey finds his dog, Edgar, who had disappeared two years earlier, but it isn't the happy reunion he had hoped for.

Adrian undergoes a character change, Mr and Mrs Boswell have an unforgettable lunch, and Jack suffers a crisis of conscience.

Lilo Lil turns up on the doorstep, Joey meets Roxy, Adrian buys something really stupid and Aveline is insulted by a photographer.

Aveline is taken ill and Adrian becomes gardener to an unusual lady.

Aveline is taken ill and Adrian becomes gardener to an unusual lady but quits, leaving Jack to take up her special offer.

Aveline has an unfortunate experience on the catwalk.

Aveline has an unfortunate experience on the catwalk, Mr Boswell and Lilo Lil have a shouting match, and Joey is blackmailed.

Freddie is arrested for stealing a dustcart.

Freddie is arrested for stealing a dustcart, Grandad is taken to hospital, Billy quarrels with Julie and Jack is nearly seduced by Carmen!

Freddie's court date clashes with Billy and Julie's secret wedding day.

Mr Boswell's court date clashes with the day Billy and Julie have secretly decided to get married.

It's the big day for Billy and Julie - and for Freddie at the Court House.

It's the big day for Billy and Julie at the Registrar's office and for Freddie at the Court House. Cousin Eddie arrives from Canada.

The Boswells wonder what really happened to Uncle Charlie's money.

Questions trouble the Boswell household - will Ma be reunited with Freddie, and what really happened to Uncle Charlie's money?

Jack gets a clean bill of health and Billy's marriage is in trouble already.

Jack finds life takes on a new meaning when he gets a clean bill of health, Billy's marriage is in trouble already and Ma's relationship with Freddie reaches another crossroads.

All the Boswells have jobs, except Joey who departs for the dole office.

All the Boswells have jobs - Jack and Adrian at the Lakeside Boating Club, Aveline at the vet's and Ma at the dentist's. Billy and Julie get down to some serious sandwich making while Joey departs for the dole office.

As Aveline brings home a sick kestrel, Roxy arrives on the doorstep too.

Aveline brings home a sick kestrel, Roxy's husband dumps her belongings, her cat, then Roxy herself on the doorstep. What will turn up next?

Jack flies the nest to seek his fortune in California.

Jack has flown the nest to seek his fortune in California and his place at the family table is taken by Irish cousin, Shifty, newly-released from prison where he has spent some time due to his kleptomaniac tendencies.

Shifty tries to get rid of a gold brooch and Adrian launches his career as a model.

Cousin Shifty is up to his old criminal tricks which leads to a bust up with Joey. Aveline brings home her 'unsuitable' fiance, Oswald. In addition, Adrian launches his career as a model and Billy leaves Julie - again.

Shifty goes on a date and Billy gets a shock when he reads Julie's letter.

The estate agent's description of 'a desirable house in a peaceful backwater' is not borne out by the noisy goings on in the Boswell household next door. Julie is suing Billy for divorce while Freddie has 'joined the potential coronary brigade'.

Aveline and Oswald experience a hiccup in their relationship and Billy upsets Adrian.

Shifty lives up to his name by getting involved in some nefarious dealings. Aveline and Oswald experience a hiccup in their relationship and Billy manages to upset brother Adrian in the middle of a poem recital in the kitchen.

Billy attempts a reconciliation with Julie, but it falls flat and he ends up back at home.

Mrs Boswell has a bit of trouble with her brood. Jack has already left home to seek his fortune in America, and now young Billy returns to his estranged wife, Julie across the road.

Freddie's heart trouble is a worry for the entire Boswell family.

Mrs Boswell is saying prayers at the table, as usual. But unusually, she is asking the Almighty to guide her estranged husband 'along a peaceful path'. Freddie Boswell's heart trouble is a worry for the entire Liverpool family.

Paul and Linda McCartney visit Liverpool and end up in the Boswell family home.

When Linda McCartney visits Liverpool, Billy takes the opportunity to ask her to sign his Grandad's bus pass and invites her to drop in at the Boswell family home for a cup of tea. Linda is treated to some good old-fashioned Liverpool hospitality.

Adrian has his poems published and Joey receives a totally unexpected letter.

Adrian's poems have been published and, true to his word, every member of the family is presented with a little gift in celebration. But later on everything starts to turn sour. Adrian buys some videos that spell trouble for him and Billy.

The Boswell boys are in trouble as Mrs Boswell meets retired widower Derek.

Adrian, Billy and Shifty are in trouble with the police. When Mrs Boswell tries to get away from it all in the local park, she has a chance meeting with a retired widower, Derek, who gives her a 'special glow'. Could there be romance in the air?

Mrs Boswell goes for a trip in Derek's boat and catches Freddie and Lilo Lill misbehaving.

All the Boswells now seem to have 'personal problems'. Aveline's erstwhile fiance, Oswald, faces up to Mrs Boswell to try and explain why he has, in her words, struck down her daughter 'as she played on the nursery slope of life'.

Adrian receives fan mail and Mrs Boswell has another meeting with her new friend Derek.

The saga continues with Adrian receiving a fan letter from an 18-year-old who's read his poems and arranges to meet her. Meanwhile, Mrs Boswell has another meeting with her new friend Derek. It's a friendship she feels guilty about.

Aveline's wedding is on again, as Shifty starts a greengrocery business from his hearse.

Aveline's wedding is all on again and there is much talk about the presents. Joey misses yet another appointment with Roxy when Freddie is taken ill and Shifty starts a greengrocery business with his hearse.

Mr and Mrs Boswell pass on heartfelt advice to Aveline on her wedding day.

It's a big day for the Boswells, celebrating Aveline's wedding to her Proddy Vicar, Oswald. Complication, confusion and chaos are the order of the day as Grandad puts on Joey's tail coat and Jack's plane from America is delayed.

Adrian accidentally becomes a hero as Billy is troubled by his impending divorce.

Life in the Boswell household is as lively as usual. Mrs Boswell is kept busy feeding her family and praying for their souls, while her husband, Freddie, is attempting to turn his newly acquired allotment into a thriving concern.

The Boswell family are reading their stars in the hope that their wishes will come true.

Freddie wants to sell the vegetables he has grown on his allotment; Grandad wants to help Shifty with his fruit business; Aveline wants to be pregnant; and Joey wants more time to pay the tax man.

Joey has to tell his mother he is in debt to the tune of £20,000.

Joey has to tell his mother that he is in debt to the tune of £20,000 and takes her to church to break the news to her. After an initial angry outburst, she tells the family that they must all support him.

The recovery of a stolen piano causes repercussions in the Boswell house.

There is a family toast around the Boswell's kitchen table when Freddie announces that he has sold his flat to help Joey out of his tax debt. However, this poses the problem of where Freddie will live.

Mrs Boswell seeks the help of a psychiatrist when her entire clan is thrown into disarray.

Aveline's phantom pregnancy has the entire Boswell clan in confusion. So, the redoubtable Mrs Boswell does what any mother would do and seeks the help of a psychiatrist.

When the dog is accused of biting a child, Mrs Boswell receives a visit from the police.

The Boswell's pet dog, Mongy, is accused of biting a neighbour's child. When Mrs Boswell receives a visit from police she defends the animal passionately, but Mongy is not the only one causing problems.

Shifty departs under a cloud of suspicion as Aveline and Oswald celebrate some good news.

There are more trials and tribulations for the Boswell family when a nosy neighbour sparks off more discord between Mrs Boswell and her husband, over his relationship with Lilo Lill.

Jack has hit the bottle, while Freddie is torn between his wife and Lilo Lill.

Jack has turned to the bottle and his brothers find him drunk in the street. While they are trying to sober him up at Grandad's house, Mrs Boswell is asking for guidance in church. Freddie, as ever, is torn between his wife and Lilo Lill.

There's a new look for Billy, a new love for Jack and a new problem for Freddie.

Jack discovers that he is the sole beneficiary of the entire estate of his recently deceased employer, Mrs Cumberland. However, due to Mrs Cumberland's passion for gambling her 'entire estate' appears to consist of her bad-tempered dog.

The Boswell boys are in love, and Oswald is confused by Aveline's sudden transformation.

The four Boswell sons all have romantic assignations; Joey has arranged to get away from it all with Roxy, Adrian is off to meet his Italian sweetheart, Magdelana, Jack has a date with Rachel and Billy is going over the road to see Julie.

Adrian's poetry is to be published, much to the delight of his Italian girlfriend.

Aveline is sure her modelling career is going to take off in a big way. Adrian is having a book of poetry published and everything is going well with his Italian girlfriend, Magdelana. But Joey's and Jack's love lives are not running so smoothly.

Grandad is traumatised after his house is burgled. Mrs Boswell seeks advice from a priest.

While Grandad is out in his back yard building a pigeon loft, his house is burgled. Everything is taken, including his money tin and his prize possession, a photo of an old girlfriend. The family are soon in action.

Mrs Boswell hears shattering news on her birthday. Aveline gets a lecture on motherhood.

Mrs Boswell is about to celebrate her birthday when she receives some shattering news. Aveline gets a lecture on motherhood.

Shifty slinks back home as Billy's ex-wife moves away and new neighbour Leonora moves in.

Billy's ex-wife moves away and a new neighbour moves in to her old house, the lovely Leonora. Shifty, the black sheep of the family, has returned and is staying next door with Grandad.

Nellie ensures Aveline and her first granddaughter are brought home in style.

Nellie arrives at the maternity hospital to escort Aveline, and her first granddaughter home in style. Meanwhile, back in Kelsall Street, new neighbour, Leonora, continues to fascinate most of the male members of the Boswell family.

Lilo Lill turns up with some sad news for Freddie, and Joey rents a shop.

Lilo Lil turns up with some sad news for Freddie, and Joey rents a shop so that he and his father can sell their organic produce. Meanwhile, to everyone's surprise, Shifty gets a job as a bus driver.

Lilo Lill is back at the allotment with Freddie while Nellie has been out with Derek.

Lilo Lil is back at the allotment with Freddie while Nellie has been visiting an art gallery with Derek. Shifty has surprised Marina with a late visit to the DHSS office, and Grandad reminisces about his beloved Edie Matheson.

Billy loses a van-load of organic vegetables and Aveline has left Oswald.

The new shop is vandalised and Billy loses a van-load of organic vegetables between the allotment and the shop. Meanwhile, Adrian is upset when Jack confesses that he and Leonora are an item.

Billy is feeling neglected, while Nellie decides she is going to go away with Derek.

Billy is feeling neglected, having achieved very little in life. After upsetting his mother he packs his things and leaves. Nellie has made a momentous decision, too - she is going to go away with Derek.

Mrs Boswell and Derek head for the Cotswolds, leaving Aveline in charge of the cooking.

Despite a difficult start, Mrs boswell has managed to get away with Derek for a weekend in the Cotswolds, leaving Aveline in charge of the cooking. While Mrs Boswell is away, there's yet another family emergency - this time concerning Grandad.

Adrian struggles with celebrity as Jack and Leonora's relationship blooms.

The film of Adrian's poem, 'My Granny's Bucket', has become a huge success which means he can't get in through the front door without signing autographs for fans, and there are presents all round for the family.

Aveline visits a modelling agency and Lilo Lill visits the DSS office.

Grandad's getting forgetful, Adrian's mooning over a new love and Joey's mooning over an old one and Jack's completely besotted with Leonora. Aveline visits a modelling agency and Lilo Lil visits the DSS office.

Grandad takes an unscheduled trip to Wales. Meanwhile, Adrian thinks he's in love again.

Grandad has taken to wandering off on his own. The first time, Joey managed to steer him back home but, after a visit to the Doctor, Grandad takes an unscheduled taxi ride to Wales. Meanwhile, Adrian thinks he's in love again.

Joey’s past returns to haunt him as Billy finds himself in trouble with the law.

One by one members of the family are held hostage by two thugs; while Joey's past returns to haunt them, Freddie is notable by his absence. Billy meanwhile finds himself in trouble with the law, but comes across a girl, Connie.

Jack and Leonora discover somebody else is looking for the missing Freddie Boswell.

Mrs Boswell goes to police to report Freddie's disappearance, the police are of the opinion he left of his own free will. Meanwhile, Jack and Leonora discover that somebody else is looking for Freddie Boswell.

Mrs Boswell has her cards read to help find out where Freddie is.

Mrs Boswell has her cards read, but not even the fortune-teller could predict that Lilo Lill would visit to find out where Freddie is. Meanwhile, the rest of the family go to a country mansion where they are planning to go on their holiday.

Lilo Lill vows she’ll find Freddie. Aveline is offered the chance of a lifetime.

Lilo Lill vows she'll find Freddie, but the local police station doesn't share her confidence. Meanwhile, Mrs Boswell has trouble with a neighbour; Billy has a new job; Aveline is offered the chance she's been waiting for all her life.

Mrs Boswell is rushed to hospital as Grandad receives a visit from Lilo Lill.

Mrs Boswell, the family lynch-pin is rushed to hospital after a day out with her friend Derek. Joey, Jack, Adrian, Aveline and Billy unite to descend upon the hospital. Meanwhile, Grandad receives a visit from a certain fiery Irish 'tart', Lilo Lill.

Nellie receives surprise visits from her ‘fancy man’ Derek and Lilo Lill.

The Boswell family try to cope without Nellie who is recovering in hospital from an operation. While they all sit round discussing their various problems, Nellie has some surprise visitors; her husband's mistress Lilo Lill and her 'fancy man' Derek.

The Boswells arrive at a Victorian mansion for a holiday, but it's not a relaxing break.

Mrs Boswell, newly-released from hospital, sets off with her family for a holiday as paying guests at Lord and Lady Bowford's Victorian mansion. But the holiday is not exactly the kind of relaxing break the Boswells had in mind.

The family continue their holiday at the Victorian mansion as Connie and Oswald arrive.

The family continue their holiday at the big house; Connie and Oswald arrive to see Billy and Aveline; and Joey's protest about the shooting on the country estate wins him an admirer. Back home, Adrian and Irenee have been getting better acquainted.

Adrian makes a decision that will change his life.

Adrian, who has been writing his memoirs, has reached page 26. He makes a decision that will change the rest of his life. Aveline is a cause of much concern for the whole family, and loyal, dependable, sensible Joey has reached the end of his tether.

The kitchen resounds to the wailing of Lilo Lill, with news that Freddie has been seen.

The family kitchen resounds to the wailing of Lilo Lill, with news that Freddie has been seen. Meanwhile, Joey and Adrian return from Gretna Green with their respective wives, Leonora has a surprise for Jack; and Grandad dreams of Edie Matheson.

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