Nicky and Steve decide not to celebrate Christmas this year. But when Nicky takes pity on Alice, the wily old lady from the village, they find themselves hosting a drinks party.

It is time for the village's traditional Lantern Man festival, and Steve ends up with the hopes of the village on his shoulders when is he chosen to look after the Lantern Man alone in a shack in the woods all night. However, being scared is the least of his worries for the festival, especially when he may have to contend with defusing the dangerous combination of Grizzo and fireworks.

As the village attempts to raise funds for a new defibrillator, Matt and Meena attempt to make things more interesting by challenging Steve and Nicky to a charity dine-off. With Matt and Meena being fussy as ever towards Steve and Nicky's cooking, and their own food and entertainment only winding Steve up more, he finally decides to let his neighbours know what he really thinks of them.

With Steve finally regaining his driving license, he promises that his days of speeding are over, no matter how much he is tempted by Grizzo's new sports car. However, it may come in handy to chauffeur Ken to his inauguration ceremony as the new president of the local bowls club. Meanwhile, Kerry has to endure tedium in renovating the green before the ceremony starts.

For once, the entire village ends up united against a scheme to start fracking in the local area, especially as it would force the villagers to leave and sell their houses for market value. Except Steve and Nicky realise that is exactly what they have been hoping for, so Steve attempts to risk everyone's fury by single-handedly arguing in favour of fracking, but without anyone realising it is him.

When Steve discovers a wealthy potential new client for his business, he is determined to do anything to keep her on his side, including lying about how amazing his move to the country was and that he greatly improved his house. However, he quickly needs to find a solution when she asks to come and see his "renovated" house. With Matt and Meena on holiday in Greece, and Steve and Nicky looking after their house, Steve pretends that Matt and Meena's house is his. Matt and Meena come home unexpectedly early, whilst Steve, Grizzo and the client are in their house.

Nicky and Steve try to get their roof fixed but after Steve's attitude drives away prospective builders their prospects look bleak. Then they discover Honest John who seems to be the builder they hoped for. However it turns out he is too honest when he reports a nest of rare moths in the roof which are a protected species and will prevent the repairs from continuing. Steve angrily tells John what he thinks of him.