The arrival of glamorous and mysterious soprano Layla turns local choirmaster Michael and his wife Esther's lives upside down. Ousted from her marriage and her choir, the last thing self-effacing Esther expects is to find herself leading the charge with a rival offering in the local music festival. But the needs of her troubled but gifted son give her a courage and a determination she didn't know she had.
Having entered the choir into a prestigious competition, Layla encourages Michael to be ruthless in pursuit of success, even if it means shedding unsuitable elements. Unfortunately, this includes church caretaker Shrek. Reeling from the news that Michael has moved in with Layla, Esther still finds time for Shrek and encourages him in an unusual appeal to Michael which just makes matters worse. Can Esther find a way to tempt the shattered Shrek back into the fold?
New choir members Sofija and Nemanja rub Gilbert and Ethel Tonks up the wrong way and find they've made formidable enemies. Recently arrived from Serbia, Sofija is anxious to fit in, but Nemanja refuses to be bullied. When Gilbert threatens to ruin their wedding plans, Esther and Jake try to find a way for the couple to realise their dream.
Michael's choir are rehearsing hard for the North West Choral heats. Determined not to be outdone by their rivals, Jimmy and Olive enter Esther's choir too, without telling her. High on the subterfuge, Jimmy realises he wants to be more than just friends, but can Olive let go of her independence? Olive eventually comes clean about the competition to Esther, who agrees to take part, on one condition...
The death of Binsey's brother Edgar comes as a shock to all his friends, but there's an even bigger surprise in store. Jake and Esther are thrown together again when Binsey enlists their help in pulling off Edgar's rather unconventional last request. Jake decides to come clean to Esther - both about his past and his feelings for her.
Kyle surprises everyone when he wants to move his relationship with Grace onto another level. When the two disappear altogether, rehearsals for the North West Choral finals are put on hold. Thrown together by the crisis, Esther and Michael have the opportunity to remember what they miss about their life together, but Layla will not let Michael go without a fight. As the day of the competition dawns, emotions are running high and Esther faces an impossible choice...