Shelley

Season 1

James Shelley, an educated, sardonic, permanently unemployed "professional freelance layabout," has many battles with authority, the tax-man, his landlady, and his girlfriend Fran.

Where to Watch Season 1

7 Episodes

Moving In
E1
Moving InShelley and his girlfriend Fran are looking for accomadation. After viewing unsuitable properties, they find a room at Mrs Hawkins' house.
The Nelson Touch
E2
The Nelson TouchShelley is appalled to learn that his favourite pub is to undergo a refit, to be renamed 'The Victory' and the staff are to dress as Admiral Nelson. But that is the least of his problems. At the Unemployment Benefit Office, the Dole Inspector wants to know why, with his qualifications ( ten O Levels, 4 A Levels and a Phd ) he has hardly ever worked. "I don't like work.", says Shelley.
Gainfully Employed
E3
Gainfully EmployedWhen Shelley fails to come home one night after working behind the bar of 'The Victory', Mrs.Hawkins tells Fran not to worry. "Wherever he is, he won't be with a woman!".
The Distaff Side
E4
The Distaff SideOur hero has landed a cushy job writing copy for an advertising agency ( nice work if you can get it! ). He hates it but is looking forward to his first pay check. But when it arrives he is not happy - after tax deductions it is not much higher than the money he got on the Dole.
Elders and Betters
E5
Elders and BettersVisiting a health shop, Shelley is appalled at the high prices of some of the items. The moment he and Fran have long dreaded has arrived. Travelling by train, they arrive at the country home/farm of Gordon Smith, Fran's rich Dad. He is a charmless snob who regards Shelley as a layabout even though he now has a job.
May the Best Man Win
E6
May the Best Man WinShelley is reunited with his oldest friend, Ned, whom he asks to be best man at his forthcoming wedding. Ned, unfortunately, is a 'Jack The Lad' type who loves to drink, smoke, and make love. Fran dislikes him intensely, and openly says so.
Nowt So Queer
E7
Nowt So QueerShelley's attempts to prepare a dinner party meet with continual interruptions; first, a Jehovah's Witness rings the doorbell and refuses to go away, then an elderly neighbour called Mrs.Ratcliffe asks him to fix her shelf. Mrs.Ratcliffe is, unfortunately, senile, and thinks that all the women at that address - Mrs.H included - are on the game.