Denise's cravings are for toffee crisps - something she liked to eat before anyway. But it is usually Dave, Barbara, dumpy friend Cheryl or increasingly poor Anthony who gets lumbered with looking after the baby. In the second series a new character, Emma is introduced. For example, during the 1999 Christmas special, Emma is with her family playing charades and other party games - something which causes the Royles to shriek with laughter, when they find out. Emma turns out to be a vegetarian, provoking feelings of unease which border on fear from the Royles.
Vegetarianism is viewed as an illness or a condition.
During this incredibly tense and funny extended introduction scene, it is discovered that Dave has some dogshit on the sole of his shoe. While this would probably have passed un-remarked, Emma's presence causes the entire cast to start grovelling and apologising repeatedly to her in turn. For me, this episode marks something of a peak - with the whole cast, including supporting cast members gathering in the living room at the same time for the birthday party. The usually silent Joe has been drinking at a bowling club party and is uncharacteristically cheery and talkative. Towards the end of the episode he begins to sing a haunting Irish ballad which causes Nanna to cry.