Paul Finchley is one half of a much loved comedy double act: a cherished household name with a career that spans several decades. He's not quite as successful as he once was, but nevertheless he's frequently recognised in the street and affectionately called upon by cabbies to repeat his famous catchphrase. But Paul's life is shaken to its foundations when he's arrested after an accusation of rape that dates back to the 1990s. Paul adamantly denies having even met the woman making the allegation. His loyal wife, Marie, must decide whether to stand by him, while his troubled daughter, Dee, begins to question her relationship with her father.
Paul and his family have to deal with the pressure of the mounting allegations against him. Dee confronts her former babysitter, Christina, now one of Paul's accusers. Marie is rattled to discover she was away on the nights Paul is accused of assaulting her, and Paul gives a radio interview, determined to put his side of the story. It backfires, angering his solicitor and leading to a story in the papers about Dee, her addiction and her history of suicide attempts. Dee re-examines her own personal problems in light of the allegations being made about Paul. As Paul and Marie celebrate her birthday, she wonders if she's repressed far more about her dad than she's prepared to admit. Can she trust her own memories?
Marie is thrown after an encounter with one of her husband's accusers and a bruising interview on her marriage by Paul's barrister, Zoe. She begins to question why she's remained loyal to Paul for so long, despite his many affairs. Is it love, or denial?Gerry presents Paul with evidence that seems to thoroughly discredit his key accuser. But it comes with uncomfortable advice that leaves Paul torn.
Paul and his family arrive in court to face his accusers and await the verdict. Paul is desperate to take the stand, to put his side of the story; Jerome is dead against it. Dee senses that Marie is wavering. Marie realises Karl might hold the key to an innocent or guilty verdict for Paul. And regardless of the jury's decision, she knows she has a big decision to make about her marriage.
Robbie Coltrane
Paul Finchley
Julie Walters
Marie Finchley
Andrea Riseborough
Dee Finchley
Babou Ceesay
Jerome Sharpe
Tim McInnerny
Karl