Ladies of Letters

1. Ladies of Letters

Episode 1

Irene Spencer and Vera Small strike up their letter-based friendship after meeting at a wedding. Irene apologises for mistaking her for a family member of the groom, and hopes that anything confidential she discussed while under the influence of alcohol will not be divulged. Vera however still manages to upset Irene by jokingly advising her to stay away from the sherry, however her short stint in hospital after falling downstairs by being distracted by Irene's return letter has the pair talking.

Episode 2

Vera is hoping her daughter Karen will come for Christmas as she brags about her pickling and jamming, however she initially does not hear from her. Irene meanwhile has been seeing a gentleman named Bill, so hasn't seen much time to write letters. The pair try to arrange a visit to each other, and end up having lunch together, along with Bill who seemingly takes to Vera. As Christmas approaches, Karen is having a trial separation from her partner which leaves her in a bad mood over the festive period.

Episode 3

Vera apologises for her and Bill ending up in bed together some time back, and blames a mistake on the hotel which results in Irene storming out. Irene however reports that Bill booked the honeymoon suite, and has married a woman half his age, and had a child with her. The pair attempt to arrange a few days meeting, and Vera says that her daughter Karen has split up with her partner who is coming up to visit her mother. The pair however have a small falling out when Vera hands out the prizes at a rugby club awards instead of Irene, who had been nominated for the role.

Episode 4

Irene is upset when her daughter Lesley and her partner move for work elsewhere, leaving her to sell their house. She resorts to asking Vera to come over and help. Vera however has been looking after Karen who has been taken into hospital, and is revealed to be pregnant. Irene instead ends up paying a visit to Vera and Karen, and resorts to also writing letters to Karen, before Karen heads over to stay with Irene who questions whether Vera treats her son Howard better than her daughter. The two also plan on booking a holiday together, but struggle to agree on a destination.

Episode 5

Irene has been in an accident, and has forgotten large parts of her life including Lesley and Vera, though she is still writing letters to her. The pair reminisce over the war, and their sex lives which aids Irene's return to health so much she is able to fight off a mugger. However, she ends up getting arrested for her part in a protest and tries to get Vera to help. Vera meanwhile has her own problems when she is raided by customs, and arrested, accused of being a drug runner. Both find themselves in the same prison.

Episode 6

Irene has been released after managing to get an insanity declaration, and has moved into Vera's old house for a while. She is also keeping Vera up-to-date on both their families, with Lesley having been left by husband Keith. Vera soon gets a release herself, and sets about looking after her family. Irene has good luck by winning a raffle and invites Vera on a holiday, who is planning on cashing in her life insurance due to defaulting on a number of other payments as the bank threatens to repossess her house.

2. Ladies of More Letters

Episode 1

Irene makes the first move in talking to Vera after their disastrous holiday and in which they vowed not to talk to each other again, in informing her that Bill has died of a heart attack. Vera meanwhile is staying with her son Howard, and she agrees to stay with Irene after the service. While staying with Irene, Vera has a fall which requires her to contact Howard and arrange for her to be collected, however some confusion leads to Irene being stuck with her for longer than she had wanted.

Episode 2

With Vera now returned home, Irene hopes she is doing better and has been going through their old letters, and has noticed they always fall out when they meet in person. Suggesting they stick to letter writing, Vera agrees letting her know she is staying with a friend after deciding on a break from her son Howard. She eventually moves to a stay at a caravan park, where Irene continues to write and continues to argue about the events where Bill, Irene and Vera end up in bed together while Vera responds with the threat of sending round a goon named Damon.

Episode 3

Irene takes Vera's previous response badly and decides to stop mailing her, though Vera relents and soon apologises for her threatening letter. Irene takes a trip to Australia to see her daughter Lesley and her granddaughter, and makes deliberate mention of still being on good terms with Vera's daughter Karen. As the new Millennium approaches, Vera questions what Irene has planned and says that she has made up with Karen. Irene meanwhile has her birthday, and meets a new gentleman.

Episode 4

Vera apologises for missing Irene's birthday, and sends her a tarot card reading result from a neighbour at the trailer park. She also reports on an event at Anthony's she attended, and sees Karen and her granddaughter, Sabrina, again for the first time in a year. Karen comes to stay with Vera in the caravan, but relations are still strained, though she dumps Sabrina on her mother and heads off to St. Tropez with Damon. Irene meanwhile reports on a possum that is living in the house with them.

Episode 5

Irene has been out with Vincent again, and informs Vera that Karen is pregnant by Damon, much to Vera's dismay and distress. Irene also contacts Anthony to ask whether he can take his mother back in. Vera also has to find money to purchase Sabrina for a computer for school. Irene meanwhile is looking after her granddaughter full time, believing her daughter to be busy at work. Her creative letter writing when contacting Anthony brings Vera a number of problems.

Episode 6

Irene has taken to writing poems, and sends one to Vera as a way of apologising. Vera has a social worker due round to check up on her and Sabrina, and she also hears from Lesley who is sending her mother back to England after a breakdown and stay in a "wellness clinic". Vera responds with some advice from her psychic neighbour Jasmine. Lesley updates Vera on the latest situation which involves Irene going missing, after Karen and Damon turn up to collect her, before they go into hiding in the outback.

Episode 7

Vera queries Lesley whether she has heard from Irene, and informs her that she has custody of Sabrina with Karen away. She finally hears from Irene who says that they'll be flying home in a couple of weeks, as they are currently staying at Lesley's having managed to escape from Damon who decided to take Irene's medication. Lesley and Karen hit it off together by smoking cannabis which is what landed Irene in her bother. Vera also lets them know that social services may be looking to rehouse them.

Episode 8

Irene informs Vera that her new grandchild has arrived and questions whether the child is actually Damon's as they haven't been together long enough, and there is little resemblance. Vera, back at the trailer park, has been dealing with Jasmin's kids after she took a trip to Amsterdam for a few days, and returned to find her caravan ransacked. Irene also has news that Damon has met a tragic fate near to the location where they escaped to in the outback, after he was shot by a hunter.

Episode 9

Vera has moved into a flat provided by the council after some help from social services. Irene reports that Karen has named her child, though is at a lost by some of the chosen middle names. Vera wonders how long it will be before her daughter is in another relationship, and says that her and Sabrina have been spending some time with the neighbours. Irene meanwhile continues to write poems, and has written one about her longing for England, and Vera suggests a return for a holiday. Irene also discovers that Lesley has been having an affair with her boss, and is pregnant by him.

Episode 10

St. John has left Howard's farm and now in Australia with Karen, having learned he is the father of Nelson, leaving Howard and Anthony at a loss during breeding season. Irene also reveals that Karen and St. John intend to get married, though she describes this with barbed comments before returning to England. Vera moves into the granny flat with Karen and St. John who have also returned, where she describes her daughter has changed and sets about helping prepare the wedding, though has to compete with Irene who is also doing the planning.

3. Ladies of Letters.com

Episode 1

Vera recalls the events of Karen's wedding when she got locked in the bathroom and left behind, which resulted in a falling out with Irene. She is also heading off on a trip to India, though Irene questions the wisdom of taking a trip due to Vera's pickiness over toilet facilities. Vera is also wondering about Karen's choice of getting pregnant again so soon. In India, Vera ends up in a pickle when the tour bus is impounded, leaving her to take a six hundred plus mile journey to her resort that she can't afford to pay for and requires money to be wired over.

Episode 2

Vera and Irene take to using email to communicate, and Vera updates them on her latest news, though she does contemplate whether Irene has taken to stealing her identity now that she is living with Karen and St. John, even if temporary. Irene brags about her typing skills have been a personal assistant, and updates on her trip to Sabrina's school as part of "Bring a granny" day. Relations soon sour again as Vera returns home, before a policeman arrives at Irene's door.

Episode 3

Karen informs Irene on the latest goings on and pleads with her to smooth the situation with Vera over. She lets them know that a neighbour has informed her that a man has been snooping around and stolen things out of her bin. Vera also takes to responding who is giving a talk at a geographical society as well as busy working on her cookery book. Irene however manages to make it to her talk despite the late "invite" which leaves Vera angered at the disturbance her late arrival causes which she puts down to deliberate sabotage.

Episode 4

Irene has returned to Australia to help with Lesley's latest birth which is upcoming. Karen also takes to writing a letter to Lesley and updates her on own pregnancy which she says is to be her last. Querying the situation with the man who has been following Irene, Vera responds that she is also experiencing a similar sounding man also following her, and that he looks familiar. While climbing down a ladder, Karen slips which sends her into an apparent early labour while son Howard and Anthony are attempting to have a surrogate child.

Episode 5

Irene lets Vera know that Lesley gave birth on the kitchen floor rather than at her Caesarean section that was booked, and has been named Sarah-Jane. Vera responds that Karen still hasn't given birth, and updates them that Howard and Anthony's attempts at a surrogate aren't going to plan. Irene contemplates buying a computer when she returns home. Vera returns from a walk with a concussion after falling into a pit destined to be a swimming pool in the garden, and is rescued by the man who has been following them, though he disappears when Vera passes out again.

Episode 6

Irene is left in charge of her granddaughters as Lesley and Brian have gone away, due to their relationship being in trouble. Vera also has news that Howard and Anthony's surrogate is now pregnant, and she will also be again appearing on television as filming has started again. On hearing the news of the surrogate, Irene does some moralising about artificial insemination, as well as her daughter's current situation which leaves Vera with a rather curt response. Howard also sends her a letter with some of his thoughts on what she wrote.

Episode 7

After sending her apology, Irene has still not received a reply, but Vera eventually relents and responds. Irene has also heard from a neighbour that the man who was following her has been seen snooping around her house, though Vera still hasn't managed to get a response from the police officer who was investigating. Lesley is also engaged to be married to Brian, and Karen has given birth to a girl somewhat prematurely. With a date for the wedding set, it is quickly called off again leaving Irene in despair.

Episode 8

Vera is looking forward to the trip for the wedding after not receiving the email about the wedding being off, and only finds out after booking her flight. Still planning to head there however, Irene responds that she is due to return to England. However, she has also found from neighbour Beryl that her house has been ransacked. Back home, Irene has bought a laptop and Karen has run off with a nurse leaving St. John to look after the children. This leaves Lesley delighted to get rid of Vera, and books a flight immediately, though her leaving may just be a ruse.

Episode 9

Irene wonders whether anyone has heard from Karen yet as Vera arrives back home. She herself arrived home to find everything in order after some cleaners turned up and sorted out the mess, despite not knowing who organised them. Vera responds that everything at home has been in turmoil though new baby Milly is doing well. Karen contacts Leslie and lets her know where she is staying when she discovers St. John was having an affair, and has run off to teach him a lesson. Irene also questions Vera as to what will happen to her if Karen doesn't go back. Irene also finds out the man is known as C. Thoroughgood.

Episode 10

Vera has been struggling to get a hold of Irene with her phone being constantly off the hook. Howard and Anthony find out that their surrogate mother was actually impregnated by St. John, and Vera questions who Christopher is. Irene responds that he is her long-lost son from her teenage years who wanted to meet her before the trip to Australia, and intercepted some burglars at Irene's and also arranged the subsequent clean-up. With the bombshell news, Leslie marriage is back on, Karen and St. John have a reunion and Vera's television airing on Dales TV goes exceedingly well.

4. Ladies of Letters Log On

Episode 1

Vera and Karen have been visiting, and Irene informs Vera that she has left a number of items behind. Vera also lets her know that her television show will be called Dales Diaries, and is due to air soon with her on hosting duties. Irene, ignoring the reference to the television show, has some excitement coming as her relationship with Christopher is going well. Irene also hears from Anthony and Howard whose surrogate is due to give birth soon, and they have repaired relations with St. John. Irene writes a poem for the unborn baby explaining its parentage situation.

Episode 2

Irene brags about her time with son Christopher who takes her to meet a famous television chef in his Porsche. She does however hint at a previous conversation about becoming a co-presenter. Vera backtracks on the offer, but invites her along with Christopher to be interviewed. Vera finds that Christopher is actually a used car dealer which explains Irene's venturing out in expensive cars. Vera ends up in the bad books at the lack of an offer for co-presenting the television show, so she arranges for an invitation to be sent which she accepts.

Episode 3

In a frantic email, Vera tells Irene not to come as there is a kerfuffle about her appointment and the producer not being consulted. However, she misses the email and heads there anyway though manages to talk the producer around, which means Irene will be staying with Vera. However, the situation lasts one day when the two fall out yet again, which results in Vera being frightened by Irene when she is cooking, and Irene ending up with a gash which St. John has to bandage up. Irene ends up staying with Howard and Anthony.

Episode 4

The first show is due to be aired live, and the two attempt to organise their outfits via handwritten notes as they are not talking. Vera is having a restless night and emails Howard and Anthony with various complaints about Irene, and is hoping they will turn up at the broadcast. Irene gives a poem to Vera in an attempt to calm the situation which Vera takes as an apology. On television, the pair continue their communication with everyone via notes but somehow they still manage to return a good show which receives a glowing review.

Episode 5

Irene informs Christopher of the goings on at the first television airing and the after party which she has just left, and looks forward to his upcoming visit. Vera has also taken to emailing after the party, though is somewhat worse for wear and sends it accidentally to Irene rather than Howard. The following day, she apologises and tries to mend their relationship. Heading over to the farm to see Irene who has left with Christopher to head to Prague. Vera is left to handle milking the sheep while Natasha is feeling unwell, though it later proves to be that she is going into labour and delivers a baby girl.

Episode 6

Irene misses a rehearsal due to her trip in Europe, and Vera arrives to find mayhem when some of the staff go on strike. Irene meanwhile has to travel back home in a Skoda after Christopher "swaps" his Ferrari, though gets stuck in the Netherlands waiting for a ferry. Natasha is also having a bad time with things not going well at Howard and Anthony's, and with no Irene, Vera invites Jasmin onto the television show. Irene also updates them with Christopher now taking her through Germany in an Alfa Romeo that he "swaps".

Episode 7

Irene has been released from police custody, while Christopher is left behind as being investigated as part of a car theft ring. She however fails to believe that she was a dupe, and takes to using the television programme about his "false" arrest. Vera however believes he is guilty and finds out about Irene's television plans from Jasmin as to which she is rather unhappy. Karen meanwhile has taken the birth of her niece badly, and Vera has had to ask St. John for a loan due to the television company having no budget left. Despite Irene claiming to then pay the money back to the producer, it goes missing.

Episode 8

Anthony discovers that a friend-of-a-friend knows Christopher as a previous criminal and lets Vera know, as they are struggling to get rid of Natasha who has changed her mind about giving up the baby. Irene meanwhile has moved into an expensive hotel which has blown the television show budget again. Karen turns up at Irene's and claims she has left St. John again, who says he is in love with Natasha. Irene hears from Christopher's solicitor and discovers that she is in fact not related to him, and he is actually called Clifford Thompson. However, her real son soon contacts her.

Episode 9

Irene takes to contacting the real Christopher who is in prison, and Vera suggests heading out to visit him would be the best solution. The situation between Howard, Anthony, Natasha, Karen and St. John is still a mess, and Sabrina has also been arrested for trying to rob a corner shop. The producer reveals that the budget situation means that the last show may be upon them, though Vera's family appearing on the show and airing their grievances leads to Natasha's partner Wayne angrily turning up. Irene ends up in hospital in the melee, though the drama boosts the ratings and rescues the show.

Episode 10

Irene receives a compassionate visit from Christopher who she begins to bond with, discovering that he has been jailed for accounting fraud. Karen has also run off again, last being seen with Wayne, leaving Vera looking after the children again. Sabrina later turns up at Irene's having hitch-hiked and decides she wants to live with her due to the turmoil back at home, though Vera is having to deal with the police as they believe Sabrina has been heading a credit card scam from school. Karen also turns up at Irene's having been dumped by Wayne, who eventually leaves with Natasha giving up rights to Howard and Anthony's child.

5. Ladies of Letters Make Mincemeat

Episode 1

Christmas is approaching, and Vera is bragging about the number of family members she'll be catering for. She also recalls the past year in which Howard and Anthony have been joined by Norwegian nanny Nanushka. Irene also sets about finding an unusual ingredient which sends her on a wild goose chase, and she has also heard that Lesley will be paying a visit though wonders if she has marital problems with Brian. Vera enquires as to the latest regarding Christopher, which leaves Irene angry at the insinuation that he didn't want around his family over the festive period.

Episode 2

Vera has been invited to judge a 'best mince pie' competition, and Irene is still brooding at Vera's previous comments of a rift with her son. Vera also encounters a corrupt councillor at the judging who threatens to hold up Karen's planning permission application, while Irene invites her to come and stay while Lesley is over. However, her flight over is not easy-going as she gets stuck in Kuala Lumpur, leaving Irene on her own on Christmas Day. Karen also discovers that St. John and Nanushka are having an affair, leaving her hysterical and Christmas a mess.

Episode 3

Irene is awoken to find a tank driven by Karen has been parked on her lawn. Howard has also vanished with Baby Small Flowers since Christmas Eve, and Vera updates on the glum Christmas Day they endured. Irene accuses Vera of being more enthralled with St. John than bothered about Karen, and also reveals that Howard and the baby are at hers as well. Lesley's attempts to arrive have now left her stuck in Dubai. Vera also has another guest over, Gwynneth, though Howard is less than pleased that she was invited over by Anthony as she has caused problems for them in the past. Sabrina also ends up at Irene's after Vera cooks her duck as Christmas lunch.

Episode 4

Sabrina is still upset at the loss of her pet duck, and Irene, Sabrina, Howard, and Karen resort to writing poems in which Karen sets about getting a divorce. Everyone ends up leaving Vera on her own with their own plans, while Anthony and St. John head off to Irene's to resolve their relationship issues. Lesley also finally arrives at her mother's to find a massive fight going on, and decides on heading to Vera's for the night, where she reveals that she is also getting a divorce from Brian. As Howard, Anthony, St. John, Karen are taken away by the police due to the skirmish, Vera has to contact the arresting officer with an explanation.

Episode 5

The four have been released from custody, and Irene looks forward to seeing her grandchildren. Vera and the four have to contend with a social services visit to provide the family therapy, which results in the family getting into another fight when she tries to arrange a session where they air their grievances. Irene also sets about trying to bring Lesley to her home by way of Christopher giving her a lift. Sabrina also stows away in the car in an attempt to get away from her family, but ends up being discovered and returned. Karen absconds with Lesley to "find herself", and Howard and Anthony have resolved their differences.

6. Ladies of Letters Spring Clean

Episode 1

Irene begins her spring cleaning and enquires as to whether Vera can send a recipe for 'belly pork', while Vera is feeling unwell with a bug going around. Feeling better the following day, she updates Irene on the improvement in the kids since Karen has left home, and begins her own cleaning. A mutual friend Edward Blunt, and one who was particularly close to both of them in the past, has been taken into hospital with a heart condition. Irene also questions whether Karen has left again, after her and St. John had somewhat of a reconciliation.

Episode 2

Post-hospital visit, both of the women can't help brag about their relationship with Edward. Sabrina also ends up at Irene's for a few days, as a way to give Vera a break from her childcare which has her being chased by the school as to where she is. Irene also accuses Vera of still holding a torch for Edward. The hospital rings as Edward has put Vera down as a next-of-kin, though Irene brags about also being his next-of-kin, as she sets off to visit Lesley in Australia again.

Episode 3

Vera accuses Irene of running away to Australia as Karen is due to return home, while she also has to deal with a diet for herself in preparation of a hip operation. The pair also bicker about the events of Edward's funeral which results in Vera ending up in the grave, believing that Irene pushed her in. Irene also updates on the relationship status of Lesley and Brian, who intend on reconfirming their vows. Irene takes to contacting Howard to say she is alarmed at some of the insinuations made in her previous email, though Howard suggests the diet may be causing part of the problem.

Episode 4

Irene wonders if Vera's mortality is playing on her mind with the death of Edward, and promises Howard that she will try to send more positive thoughts. Vera's hip operation at the veterinary centre is done, and she comes around to find Irene's odd email, though she is certain that she still has plenty of life left. Karen has returned with St. John moving to the guest room, and Sabrina piling on weight again. Irene gets left alone as Lesley and Brian head off on their honeymoon, before the wedding, though feelings with the couple are still strained, leading to Irene to contemplate her own life while getting drunk. Vera also has to deal with her own family willing to "pull the plug" when she takes the wrong medicine.

Episode 5

Vera is on the way to recovery in a residential home, and updates Irene on her ventures away from the rest of the family. Irene has also heard from Lesley who has already got married at the resort they are staying at, based on the size of Brian's bonus this year, which has Irene intent on returning home. Vera's snooping at the home discovers a deal where the management are selling off body parts of the deceased elderly, though a matron at the home intercepts the email as Vera makes her escape and goes into hiding at Irene's, however as Irene reaches her door she finds Vera being tackled by staff from the Home Office.

7. Ladies of Letters Go Global

Episode 1

Lesley has stopped by for a visit and stayed much longer than she originally intended, leaving Irene struggling to provide, resorting to an attempt to invite Vera over to help her get rid of Lesley. However, Vera is spending some time herself in Ibiza as a way to escape her own family and has a phone which allows her to send email. She takes to inviting Irene on holiday, and questions why she hasn't heard from Christopher for over a year. Irene attempts to get Lesley's husband Brian over to resolve their issues, while she escapes on holiday in Ibiza, where she also plans to rescue Vera from a man she has met who claims to have a mansion, but soon gets her into some amount of people-trafficking trouble.

Episode 2

Vera has been transported to Italy with a number of other immigrants, while Irene has arrived at Vera's former hotel and been roped into work herself to pay off Vera's debts. Irene soon finds herself in legal trouble when the businesses she has been forced to work at are raided, while Vera seeks advice from her immigrant friends. In the meantime, Irene makes an escape from jail and goes into hiding, though has to resort to work as an au pair. Vera makes it to Transylvania, though is captured by a separatist group and held at gun point, though is still able to communicate via email.

Episode 3

Irene believes her emails are being interfered with by David Blunkett, and Howard refuses to send any money to help his mother and has little other advice which can be of help. Back home, Irene discovers that Lesley has refused to let Brian into the house which results in him having to stay with Irene's neighbour until Irene asks him to travel to Romania and help Vera. Vera wonders about whether her experience will be useful for writing a cook book, as Brian attempts a rescue which goes badly, but eventually they are freed and transferred - to Russia. Irene is still stuck working as an au pair for an incompetent couple, who tip of Lesley to Vera and Brian being stuck in a Russian hotel together.

Episode 4

Vera's hotel room is stormed by men with large guns who take Brian to places unknown, which results in her having to go on a "mission". Vera also discovers that Lesley is wrapped up in the situation somehow, which results in Irene calling Christopher into checking on her. Irene has found herself in the Maldives, while Christopher ends up in Moscow with Vera and the two become more familiar with each other than Irene would like before the pair end up somewhere in Africa.

Episode 5

Struggling to get help from Christopher's adoptive mother, Irene tries to coerce her into helping recover Vera and Christopher. Meanwhile, Vera discovers they are being held by a tribe leader. Brian manages to return home with Lesley's help; her having helped arrange his kidnap by selling off some of Irene's belongings. With some further help from Irene and her "employers", she manages to come up with a plan to give them chance to escape, though it results in chaos. Vera however manages to escape with a diamond to resolve Howard and Anthony's financial issues, and an adoptive child, Youssou.

8. Ladies of Letters Say No

Episode 1

Irene has been busy with her "charitable" work which involves writing letters, while Vera is preparing for a visit. Vera has also made friends with a man, Alan, who is buying the neighbouring farm to Howard and Anthony, though Irene suggests that she appears to have more interest than being just friends, though also questions his supposed wealth. Property developer Alan also claims he is involved in the opening of a new hospital, which Irene is also fundraising for. Vera is also being treated by him to a range of new clothes after a fire.

Episode 2

Vera ends up in hospital after swallowing a fish-bone at the fundraising event, though Irene makes a move to invite Alan to come and stay with her. Irene however soon lands herself on the same ward while visiting Vera and having a fall and breaking her nose. Inside the hospital, Irene discovers the poor state of the hospital which involves mopping around her own bed. The pair receive a visit each from Alan, who seems to be a hit with the pair as both attempt to make plans with him. Irene however encounters a rat while cleaning and injures herself again in the bathroom which results in her writing a letter to the hospital administrator.

Episode 3

Vera remains in hospital, which has now been renamed to Heather Green Health Park. This is much to the anger of Irene who is in the midst of organising a protest against the name change and the suspension of a staff member who was trying to improve the hospital cleanliness. Irene also receives a restraining order excluding her from an area around the post office. Vera meanwhile has to deal with handling Sabrina and Youssou's boisterous behaviour, though she ends up incarcerated after Alan organises a party for her hospital release, which she blames on Irene.

Episode 4

Vera remains in her cell, but she discovers that Alan is planning to compulsory purchase land including Howard and Anthony's farm. She sets about apologising to Irene, and alerts her son, before managing to escape by hitting her arresting officer over the head and heading out through the doors in disguise. Irene sets about trapping Alan by getting him arrested with the help of the Queen's estate in London, and both of them disguised as Queen Elizabeth, with Vera calling for backup from her family to prevent the property developers from acquiring their land.

Episode 5

The operation doesn't entirely go to plan, with Vera attacking Alan and ending up rolling around on the floor, which results in him being arrested. Vera goes missing for some time which leads to Irene enquiring to the Queen as to the whereabouts of her friend, and informing her of the land development situation. Vera meanwhile happens to be spending time with a protestor in London in the hope of receiving recognition of saving the Queen from an attacking Alan, though she ends up in a cell in the Tower of London - taken by a friend of Alan's.

9. Ladies of Letters Go Green

Episode 1

Irene has received news that her Aunty Doris has died leaving Irene as her will executor, and begins to feel there are omens of doom around to which she notifies Vera. Vera has taken up a greener lifestyle, having won a wormery in a competition and also decides on methods to save water, which results in the toilet overflowing with sewage. Back at Aunty Doris' house, Irene's cry for help to Vera is missed, as she worries that Christopher is falling in love with a woman from another country and may move out there, as well as her concerns that the world is doomed to the future of climate change.

Episode 2

Vera offers her help in sorting Aunty Doris' possessions by way of apology for missing Irene's signals, as she continues her quest to save the world after watching An Inconvenient Truth. She also takes to writing to Al Gore of her new initiative on picking up discarded bottles and recycling. Irene plays off her previous emails seeking help as part of her practice for a creative writing course, though Vera puts them down to her being drunk. Irene also updates on Aunty Doris' protestations which involved complaining about everything, as she plans on upgrading to an electric car.

Episode 3

Receiving a phone call from Christopher, Irene gets news that his divorce has been finalised and that he is due home for a short spell. She also continues to sort Doris' estate and sends a parcel over to Vera, who receives its ashes when the package spontaneously combusts as well as a police presence when she is suspected of being a terrorist. Karen and St. John also attempt to green up their travel by putting chip fat in their car, which causes the vehicle to set aflame. Christopher eventually arrives with a surprise for Irene, a new partner nearly as old as his mother.

Episode 4

The pair have a several month break from speaking, but a new update arrives from Irene who has news for Vera that her son is now engaged to Singh, the much older lady. Irene is also getting along with her very well, and the three are planning on moving into a new eco-home together. Howard and Anthony discover that their land has a coal seam, and a number of energy companies are interested in mining it, despite the impact on their environmental aims. Vera also sets about heading over to Thailand for the wedding, despite being uninvited.

Episode 5

Vera turns up to the wedding by boat, and promptly crashes into the dock that the event is being hosted on, causing it to be cancelled as the incident results in a number of guests including Irene to end up in the water. Vera attempts to makes amends and organises to have the wedding rearranged, however finds that Singh has left Christopher for someone else, which ends up drawing the pair back together. Irene also discovers that Doris is not actually dead, and was renditioned while out on a protest, which leaves her with a problem having been executing her will and having to sell her own home.

10. Ladies of Letters Credit Crunch

Episode 1

Temporarily computerless, Vera takes to using snail mail, and write to Irene commiserating her for the troubles at her eco-house and cash-flow woes. Vera and her family is also going through money troubles, with St. John and Karen's house up for sale as the world goes through the financial crisis. Irene however takes issue with some costs being incurred during Vera's last visit. Vera eventually gets her computer fixed by Youssou, and takes to moving into her allotment shed when things at home with Karen become strained.

Episode 2

Vera congratulates Irene on her rescuing of a former high society acquaintance, Judith, who is also going through money problems, and discovers that at her allotment, a whole range of people are living on the site. Anthony and Howard are struggling themselves with various farm problems. Vera and a fellow allotment dweller get themselves arrested while foraging. Christopher meanwhile has stopped by for a visit with Irene, though Judith takes to writing to Vera when Irene has an accident that puts her in hospital.

Episode 3

Christopher returns to find that his key doesn't work at Irene's house and aunty Doris missing, and contacts Vera to discover that his mother is in hospital. Vera sets about heading over to the house with the allotment group believing that Judith has commandeered Irene's house, as they take to breaking into the house. They soon find however that Irene is fine and the situation was a number of coincidences, though Vera suggests that Irene get rid of Judith. Irene's aunty Doris also moves into the allotment group.

Episode 4

The council discover the allotment encampment, while Irene's electric car is also damaged when she tries to take on the crowd while attempting to get aunty Doris back. Vera also believes that Irene ended up in a mental hospital, but eventually is able to correct her that it was actually Judith who has been locked up. Trying to get Judith freed, Vera ends up in the hospital herself. Christopher turns up at the allotment, and takes up lodgings in a tree having become fed up with his career as a carbon trader.

Episode 5

Irene discovers her electric car has been carted off to a scrap yard, as she seeks to get Christopher and Doris home. Vera updates her on the various allotment goings on, though she has some worries about Christopher and his muttering about a key. Irene also discovers that he has previously gotten married to a flight attendant, had a baby, and has been living a double life. Vera and the other allotment dwellers are also being evicted by the council, while Irene gets to meet her daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

11. Ladies of Letters Go Crackers

Episode 1

New Years is approaching, and Vera has returned from a week away to find everything in chaos including threats from bailiffs. Irene also takes to questioning Vera's mental faculties, as she wonders about a present involving a trip to the 'gayest spa in Brighton', possibly intended for Anthony. The pair also swap news of their Christmas which involves Irene finally spending Christmas with at least some of her family, rather than being alone and Vera preparing to move as a neighbouring housing estate is being built.

Episode 2

The chaos at Vera's continues, with Karen having attempted to cook Christmas dinner and discovering a lump on her breast which leads Irene takes to questioning Vera's priorities. When she manages to get an appointment, Karen is sent on to a consultant which leads to her waiting for her results, and in the meantime showing signs of affection to Vera for once. With things looking up for Vera's family relations, Irene takes to wallowing in the state of her relationship with Lesley.

Episode 3

Vera doesn't take too well to Irene's 'history lesson' on Karen's past, while she also passes on news of the goings on at Howard and Anthony's farm. Irene is still trying to find a taker for the spa visit present, as the pair discuss Christopher's wife Mackayla and aunty Doris, and the sexuality of each, which leaves Irene with some explaining to do when they find out. Vera however dismisses the explanation, believing Irene to be gullible, and the pair falling out yet again.

Episode 4

Karen attempts to reconcile Vera and Irene, with a letter to Irene, and eventually manages to get them talking again. Vera takes to making the first email, with an update on the house move which looks like there will be little room for her as they are downsizing, and Howard and Anthony's sheep which St. John believes is down to the vibrations being caused by the neighbouring construction. Irene also has news with Rochelle, a therapist, offering advice which has her believing that her life is uncertain.

Episode 5

Irene discovers that Christopher, Mackayla and the baby will be participating in a reality television series, therefore leaving her for twelve months. Vera is waiting on Karen's test results which are imminent, and Irene wallows in sadness while blaming Mackayla for taking her son and granddaughter away. Aunty Doris is also off again to another protest with a friend deciding that suburban life is not for her. Karen's results do turn out to be cancer, and events at the construction site lead to good news for Vera.