Sunshine is a three-part comedy drama that began on 7 October 2008 on BBC1 from the co-writers of The Royle Family and Early Doors. These co-writers, Craig Cash and Phil Mealey, also appear in the series.
Episode 1
Bob (Bing) Crosby is one of the most likeable people around. His natural wit and optimism are infectious to those around him. The only negative trait in Bing's life is his inability to resist gambling a few quid on the occasional bet. Bernadette, his childhood sweetheart and mother of their son, Joe, loves Bing for the person she's known all her life and although she doesn't approve of, and is often infuriated by, his casual betting, she always reluctantly forgives him. Bing's Dad George knows that he shares a special bond with his grandson Joe and even though Joe is too young to realise this, he certainly feels it in his heart. But, when Bing's gambling develops into something more serious than the occasional bet and the risks he takes become greater, it's no longer just a few quid that Bing stands to lose – potentially, it's everything.
Episode 2
Bernadette can't take Bing's gambling any more and throws him out. Bing takes refuge at dad George's house. Bing has always managed to win Bernadette's forgiveness and although he knows it's going to be tougher this time, he still expects to do so. However, when it becomes clear that she has no intention of doing so this time and makes new plans for a life without him, his gambling spirals out of control. Grandad George tries to help Joe come to terms with the situation and console him about the reasons for his father's behaviour. Meanwhile, George has issues of his own to deal with. Finally, even he can no longer justify or tolerate Bing's behaviour.
Episode 3
Bing takes his first tentative steps as he attempts to overcome his gambling addiction. George's own problems appear to be getting worse but he keeps them to himself for fear of disrupting Bing's progress. Bernadette begins to settle into her new life without Bing and is flattered by the attentions of an admirer. Bing's endeavours to woo Bernadette back fall on deaf ears and he starts to question whether his attempts at recovery are worthwhile, in the absence of a possible reconciliation with her. George reassures Bing that he owes it to himself and his son Joe to continue. Encouraged by his Dad, Bing's recovery continues to grow from strength-to-strength and his relationship with Joe reaches a new level.
