Barbara Liversidge (Gwen Taylor) is a blunt, opinionated Yorkeshirewoman in her fifties who works as a receptionist at a doctor's surgery. She's married to Ted (Sam Kelly), a mild-mannered cab driver who has long since learned that there's not much point in arguing with his wife.

Son Neil (Benedict Sandiford) still lives with his parents and is beginning to think he'll never "escape" from home. Daughter Linda (Elizabeth Carling) is married to Martin Pond (Mark Benton), front man of a local TV current affairs programme called "Pond Life".

Other regular characters include Barbara's sister Jean (Sherrie Hewson) and fellow receptionist, Doreen (Madge Hindle).