Rita, a 26 year old Scouse hairdresser with a sharp wit, is married to her childhood sweetheart, the feckless Denny. He wants a baby, she doesn't. She wants to discover herself, so she joins the Open University. Dr. Frank Bryant Is a disillusioned university professor of literature. His marriage has failed, his girlfriend is having an affair with his best friend and he can't get through the day without downing a bottle or two of whisky. He refers to himself as an appalling teacher of appalling students. What Frank needs is a challenge ... along comes Rita. In this hilarious and often moving drama, the story tells how two people find a new lease of life through each other.