In the pilot episode we are introduced to Colin and Howie: two best mates who work at "Sherpa Freight". They have always had a good relationship but it turns sour when Howie gets promoted above Colin. The boys end up using their homes as a metaphor for their rivalry as both attempt to out-do the other with the amount of Christmas lights they can decorate their houses with!
When it's rumoured that Colin will be getting a promotion, he and Jackie decide to splash out on a luxury holiday to Florida. However, when he fails an alcohol test at work and ends up being fired and has to attempt to find a new job.
Colin is still job hunting after being fired from Sherpa Freight and ends up taking a job as a local taxi driver. Meanwhile, Brooke goes missing and her parents fear the worst.
When Colin and Howie attend a school reunion in Newcastle, the boys fall out as Colin is ashamed to still know Howie. While at the reunion Howie hooks up with an old flame and Colin is torn between supporting his friend or telling Pauline.
In a bid to prove he can be more than just a van driver, Colin appoints himself as the captain of Sherpa's football team. Meanwhile, the opposing team captain attempts to seduce Pauline.
Jackie and Pauline's father is acting suspicious as he keeps sneaking off to his allotment. However, when he has a heart attack this becomes the least of their worries. Meanwhile, Colin's estranged brother turns up to tell him about their father's death.
In the first season finale, the two families take a weekend away together to the country. While there the girls discover they have a long lost sister and, after getting drunk, Colin and Howie disturb a shotgun wielding farmer.
This special behind the scenes look at the series, takes a peek behind the camera and sees that making of Northern Lights!
After witnessing the shooting of a gangster. Collin & Howie are forced into witness protection. Pauline in particular is taking this hard because it means she cannot see her secret lover.
The Two famallies are moved to a safe house in london. Jackie discovers a secret from Collins past. Howie fears that his marriage could be on the erge of ending and Brook goes to extreme measures to contact her boyfriend. Meanwhile, DS Gary Tate's past of gambling debts make him the perfect man to locate Howie and Collin for Sweeny and Hatton.
Both Collin & Howies marriages are falling apart whilst Collin manages to win Jackie back, Pauline makes a heartbreaking decision that will change the two famillies for good. Meanwhile, Sweenys heavies Hatton and Scully put preassure on Gary Tate, but will he endanger the lives of people in his care.
Collin & Howie becomes traffic wardens and Howie gains a new admirer. Jackie is unable to have sex with Collin because she cannot forget about his ex wife. Meanwhile, Pauline begins an affair with DS Gary Tate and tells Howie that there marriage is over. Leaving her divided from the rest of the family.
Collin and a depressed Howie launch a gardening business. Collin lets slip to Howie that Pauline may have a new man. Howie heads off to confront her mystery man with disasterouse consequences. Meanwhile, Jackie is left holding the baby whilst Pauline spends the day in Gary Tate's hotel room.
Collin & Howie are being held hostage by Hatton and Scully, they also capture Gary Tate who they order to kill Howie and Collin. Scott Sweeny comes face to face with his enemies, sparking off a chain of events with a shocking conclusion. Meanwhile, Jackie and Pauline continue to clash over Pauline's affair with Gary Tate and Jackie discovers she is pregnate.
Separated from his wife, Howard volunteers as a stand-in Santa at the shopping mall--and ends up getting invited to represent England at an international Santa competition in Lithuania. He gets to take an elf with him, and Colin agrees to fill the role.
Colin loves Christmas. It's his favourite time of the year. He loves everything about it - the food, the telly, the presents... everything. But most of all he loves Santa and he particularly loves being Santa at his childrens' school.