British Comedy Guide
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 1 - Split

Following their split, both Sally and Steve are agonising over using the telephone. She's insistent she's not desperate, but he definitely is!

Further details

The action begins where it left off at the end of Series 2 - Steve and Susan have had an argument about their future, and Susan storms out of Steve's flat in tears. The screen splits into two and we follow what happens to both Steve and Susan simultaneously.

While Steve tries repeatedly to ring Susan, his courage failing ever time, the girls are locked in a debate over the merits of 1471, and what it means if the phone "chirps". Eventually the tension at both ends of the phone gets too much. The boys and the girls set out for "the Temple of Woman": in the girls' case, a beauty salon; in the boys' case, a lap dancing club.

Steve gets hideously drunk, and phones Susan as soon as he gets home, pleading that she come back to him. She does just that.

Notes

This episode is presented in split-screen.

Broadcast details

Date
Monday 23rd September 2002
Time
9:30pm
Channel
BBC Two
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Jack Davenport Steve
Gina Bellman Jane
Sarah Alexander Susan
Kate Isitt Sally
Ben Miles Patrick
Richard Coyle Jeff
Guest cast
Hannah Waddingham Jenny Turbot
Mariella Frostrup Self
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
Simon Wallace Composer

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