PR consultant Edina Monsoon wakes up with yet another hangover, but receives no sympathy from her studious daughter, Saffron. When best friend Patsy turns up, the fun continues, until a crisis at work forces Edina into action.

After waking to find she has gained weight, Edina becomes obsessed with dieting, which is only exacerbated when she finds out an old, ever thin, nemesis intends to pay her a visit.

In an attempt to escape from it all, Edina and Patsy take a trip to the south of France, which inevitably turns disastrous.

Banned from attending Saffron's college open day, Edina sulks in her new isolation tank.

Can Patsy persuade Saffy to help make her fashion show a success?

Edina has reached a milestone - her 40th birthday. But it is not a cause for celebration.