When Joe says the A word for the first time, Paul and Alison know they must talk to him about his autism. Maurice is catapulted back into the life of Louise, and Eddie and Nicola have a secret to keep.

Life for the Hughes family turns upside down as Joe starts at a specialist school in Manchester. Rebecca halts her plans with James, and Louise confides in a stunned Maurice.

Paul makes a connection with Sophie when he takes her and Mark to a gig. Louise clashes with Maurice, and Eddie gears up for date night with his Manchester girlfriend Holly.

Rebecca sends Paul and Alison on a weekend away to help them reconnect. Maurice has an existential crisis during a fell race, and Eddie is determined to teach Joe to ride a bike.

Paul's deepest feelings about his son's autism emerge when Nicola makes a film of Joe's behaviours. Eddie reaches D-Day with Holly, while Maurice makes a shocking proposal.

An end-of-year show at Joe's old school brings his family members together. As Joe takes the stage, it is clear what they mean to him. But can they remain the family he knows?