Coupling. Image shows from L to R: Jane (Gina Bellman), Susan (Sarah Alexander), Jeff (Richard Coyle), Steve (Jack Davenport), Sally (Kate Isitt), Patrick (Ben Miles). Copyright: Hartswood Films Ltd
Coupling

Coupling

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC Two / BBC Three
  • 2000 - 2004
  • 28 episodes (4 series)

The trials and tribulations of six thirtysomethings struggling with life in general, but above all, relationships. Stars Jack Davenport, Gina Bellman, Sarah Alexander, Kate Isitt, Ben Miles and more.

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Series 3, Episode 5 - The Freckle, The Key And The Couple Who Weren't

Having discovered a freckle on his bum, Steve worries of its health implications. Meanwhile, Jane introduces the group to her abstinent boyfriend, James, and Jeff has trouble with a key and Julia's ex.

Further details

Steve is suffering from a bout of hypochondria, thanks to the discovery of a mole on his bottom. This leads to a bitter argument with Susan about how well the pair can remember each other's blemishes. Steve feels hurt that Susan can't remember if the mole is new, and Susan becomes paranoid about the possibility that she too may suffer from freckles in her otherwise-perfect private regions.

The argument is settled when the gang are introduced to Jane's new boyfriend, James. It turns out that Jane has perfect recall of Steve's mole. And it also turns out that James has perfect recall of Susan's "nether freckling" - the two of them were briefly an item at university.

Meanwhile, a kinky evening with Julia goes horribly wrong when Jeff swallows the key to the handcuffs. Things go from bad to worse when Julia's ex, Joe (a man prone to violence), turns up at her flat demanding to see her. Jeff narrowly avoids being beaten to a pulp, but his heart is in even greater danger of being broken than his bones. It seems that there's a lot of unfinished business between Julia and Joe.

Broadcast details

Date
Monday 21st October 2002
Time
9:30pm
Channel
BBC Two
Length
30 minutes

Repeats

Show past repeats

Date Time Channel
Wednesday 3rd September 2014 9:30pm London Live
Thursday 4th September 2014 12:30am London Live
Saturday 18th October 2014 11:00pm London Live
Sunday 19th October 2014 9:30pm London Live
Saturday 13th December 2014 11:00pm London Live
Sunday 14th December 2014 9:30pm London Live
Saturday 23rd May 2015 9:00pm London Live
Sunday 24th May 2015 3:00am London Live
Sunday 7th August 2022 10:40pm Gold
Sunday 12th March 2023 11:00pm Gold

Cast & crew

Cast
Jack Davenport Steve
Gina Bellman Jane
Sarah Alexander Susan
Kate Isitt Sally
Ben Miles Patrick
Richard Coyle Jeff
Guest cast
Lou Gish Julia
Lloyd Owen James
Marc Bannerman (as Mark Bannerman) Joe
Writing team
Steven Moffat Writer
Production team
Martin Dennis Director
Sue Vertue Producer
Beryl Vertue Executive Producer
Sophie Clarke-Jervoise Executive Producer
Mykola Pawluk Editor
Andrew Howe-Davies Production Designer
Simon Brint Composer

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