Man About the House

Chrissy and Jo discover a stranger, Robin Tripp, asleep in their bath the morning after Eleanor's farewell party. Robin has just arrived in London from Southampton to attend university. Impressed by his culinary talent, they agree to let him move in, on the understanding that the arrangement will remain platonic.

The trio formalizes the plan for Robin to move in as a platonic roommate. They emphasize practicality, hoping his cooking skills will compensate for the girls’ poor culinary talents. The agreement sets the tone for their ongoing living arrangement.

Chrissy informs landlord George Roper that Robin is gay to ease objections to the mixed-sex living arrangement. George is portrayed as a miserly, disheveled man, subservient to his domineering wife Mildred. The lie temporarily smooths things over, but it seeds ongoing tension with George.

George is introduced as a miserly, controlling landlord, while Mildred, his domineering wife, exerts constant influence. The couple's dysfunctional relationship creates friction with the tenants but also comic opportunities. Their dynamic sets the stage for ongoing power struggles.

In the second episode, Mildred discovers that Robin is not gay as Chrissy claimed, and she uses the knowledge to vent her frustrations. She openly flirts with Robin and tends to side with the tenants against George. Robin continues to clash with George while maintaining a friendly rapport with the girls.

Robin frequently flirts with Chrissy and Jo, testing their pledge of a platonic relationship. The girls resist romantic advances while continuing to rely on him for companionship and cooking. The dynamic becomes more complicated as flirtation becomes a recurring element.

Chrissy occasionally shows attraction to Robin, but the group remains committed to their platonic arrangement. They never pursue romance, reinforcing the boundaries of their living situation. This tension adds light drama without derailment of the pact.

Robin's friend Larry becomes a recurring presence and eventually moves into the loft above the trio's flat. He brings new mischief and trouble, expanding the social circle and complicating the living arrangement. His arrival adds ongoing comic subplots.

George's dodgy builder friend Jerry makes appearances that contribute to the show's humor and occasional chaos. Jerry embodies the kind of shady help that surrounds the Ropers' world. He reappears across episodes, linking the main cast with a broader supporting roster.

Robin's brother Norman Tripp appears in the final three episodes of the sixth series and begins a romance with Chrissy. This introduces a new romantic arc for Chrissy and reshapes some relationships in the flat. The arrival signals shifting dynamics as the series nears its end.

The series culminates with Norman and Chrissy marrying, providing a conclusive romantic payoff for Chrissy's storyline. The wedding brings a sense of closure to her arc and alters the household dynamics. The event marks a milestone in the ensemble's long-running committee of relationships.

Across the early episodes, the tenants discover Robin's culinary talent, which contrasts with their own lack of cooking skills. His meals help bring the group together and secure his place in the flat. The kitchen becomes a focal point for camaraderie and comic banter.

The core premise remains: the women intend to maintain a platonic relationship with Robin, even as flirtations and evolving relationships surface. This tension drives humor and character interactions without turning romantic dynamics into the central plot. The pledge is repeatedly tested but endures through the series.