The Cuckoo Waltz

Oct 27, 1975

Manchester reporter Chris Hawthorne and his wife Fliss live simple with few possessions, and their twin babies. Their life changes when they take in Gavin Rumsey as a lodger, as his wife Carol has just left him. However, he brings with him lots of modern furniture, and a Scalextric set!

Nov 3, 1975

Seven days later, Chris and Fliss continue trying to get Gavin to move out, but when he brings in a new colour television, Chris begins to think he's not so bad.

Nov 10, 1975

Fliss complains about the cost of living, she can't feed three as cheaply as two, so Gavin gives a very generous contribution. But when Chris demands a share, he finds himself locked out.

Nov 17, 1975

It's the Hawthornes' wedding anniversary, but Chris finds he has to work covering a football match, leaving Fliss to tag along.

Nov 24, 1975

It's Chris's day off, but his and Fliss's plans are ruined when Gavin turns up from work ill. Dr MacKenzie thinks there's not really that much wrong with him. Having had enough, Fliss goes to her mum's and leaves the men to it.

Dec 1, 1975

Gavin gets promoted. Chris wants to go down to Fleet Street for work, while Connie introduces Fliss to Tarot. The Hawthornes go for a reading with Madame Stellaris, followed by a trip to London.

Dec 8, 1975

Gavin announces that Carol wants to sell their house. She asks Chris a favor — will he show some prospective buyers around. It goes alarmingly well, despite his best efforts. Then there's the Selling Up party.

Jul 8, 1976

Fliss and Connie are off to watch a 'disgusting' movie, and with Chris playing football, they need a babysitter. Step in Gavin's new office temp, the gorgeous Harriet. She doesn't realise, however, that Gavin is also part of the household though.

Jul 15, 1976

Connie advises Fliss on ways to get Chris to buy her a new washing machine as they can't really afford it. Gavin meanwhile has bought a new car — a De Tomaso Pantera.

Jul 22, 1976

Fliss wins £117.10 on the football pools, but how will she and Chris spend it? Eventually, they agree to go to Blackpool for a break.

Jul 29, 1976

After being burgled, Connie goes round to the Hawthornes for tea and sympathy. Gavin gets talked into letting her stay in his room. After a chat with Gavin, Mr Tweedale decides to propose to Connie.

Aug 5, 1976

Gavin wants to go out with a model, so he asks Chris to get her picture in his paper. Fliss starts working as Gavin's secretary and is invited to lunch with a client, and ends up at the same restaurant as Chris and the model.

Aug 12, 1976

Gavin has a letter from Carol; she's asking for divorce. As a result, Gavin decides it's time to move on, but first he wants to put on a dinner party.

Jan 10, 1977

One of Gavin's holiday romances catches up with him when Arianna turns up on the doorstep, quickly followed by her very annoyed brother who's out to kill him.

Jan 17, 1977

Gavin has bought a new Super 8 camera, anxious to show it off. Fliss wants Chris to take her and the kids out as a family, as it's been ages. They go to 'Belle Vue' — all on £2.60.

Jan 24, 1977

Gavin tries to chat up an air hostess. When he finally succeeds, he needs someone to make up a foursome. As he's no friends, Gavin thinks of Chris, who then lies to Fliss as to his whereabouts.

Jan 31, 1977

Gavin has spent over two weeks staying in. He doesn't even want to play Strip Lexicon. Has he lost his interest in girls? Fliss tries to change his mind.

Feb 7, 1977

Fliss's friend Jill pays a visit. Young, sexy and successful, her presence makes Fliss reevaluate her life. Jill persuades Fliss to go to a literary party in her place, where she meets a bit of rough.

Feb 14, 1977

The Hawthornes are envious at Gavin's constant spending. He's bought a special bed, and new wallpaper. Gavin says that they can have his old bed, though there's a catch — he wants them to do the wallpapering!

Jun 26, 1980

Jul 3, 1980

Jul 10, 1980

Jul 17, 1980

Jul 24, 1980

Jul 31, 1980

Aug 7, 1980