Tony Carpenter (Dennis Waterman) is a self-made millionaire who has never lost touch with his cockney roots. He lives in a large house staffed by butler Sam (Sam Kelly), secretary Maggie (Jenna Russell) and cook Mrs Wembley (Joan Sims). Tony has a stormy relationship with his wife Ruth (Judy Buxton). She's a snob who doesn't approve of his "all mates together" attitude to his staff.