Packed To The Rafters

Happily married couple, Julie and Dave Rafter are over the moon when Ben, their last child, finally decides to leave home. After raising three kids, the couple are free! It's a chance for them to do what they want. However, less than 48 hours after Ben moves next door, all dreams of freedom are completely upended when their newly-empty nest unexpectedly becomes "packed to the rafters".

Ben's world is turned upside down after a drunken one-night stand. Dave must face up to the secrets of his past. Carbo strikes up a surprising friendship, with unexpectedly romantic results. Guest starring CRAIG MCLACHLAN and Sunrise star JAMES TOBIN.

Rachel's growing alcohol dependence sends her family over the edge. Her careless actions could spell the end for one of them. Meanwhile, Ben finds himself to be an unlikely counsellor as he moves towards independence and responsibility.

Sammy and Nathan's marriage is in crisis when she can no longer bear keeping the secret reason for their move into the Rafter home. This leaves Nathan no option but to count on the family he's always taken for granted. Guest starring JEROME EHLERS and SARAH CHADWICK.

Ben finds himself in uncomfortable possession of a devastating secret which could blow his family apart. Meanwhile, with Dave's freelance career failing to take off, Julie makes a tough decision which tests the strength of her marriage.

A desperate Rachel begs for forgiveness as she discovers that her humiliating mistakes force a beloved family member to leave the Rafter nest.

Nathan learns a valuable lesson about wealth and happiness when the life he has and the life he wants collide as Julie and Dave make a splash at his father-in-law's 50th birthday party.

Ben's world is turned upside down after a drunken one-night stand. Dave must face up to the secrets of his past. Carbo strikes up a surprising friendship, with unexpectedly romantic results. Guest starring CRAIG MCLACHLAN and Sunrise star JAMES TOBIN.

Dave reconnects with his foster brother, 80's rock star Steve Wilson - leading to an offer he can't refuse. Meanwhile, after a risky gamble with his boss's money, Nathan races the clock to save his job. And Carbo declares his feelings for Chrissy - but will she return them? Guest starring CRAIG MCLACHLAN and KRYSTAL FORSCUTT.

Ben gets the wrong idea when he stumbles upon a secret inside Melissa's handbag. Sammy is offered the possibility of a glamorous job in London - but will she leave Nathan behind?

Julie forces her dispirited family to the beach for a restorative weekend away - leading to everyone feeling restored but Julie herself. Meanwhile, Ted receives advice from beyond the grave and a Rafter BBQ doesn't agree with Melissa.

Ted becomes 'fresh flesh' for the ladies of an over-fifties dating club. Rachel embraces a macrobiotic lifestyle - with disastrous results. Julie lets her hair down for a night of pre-Christmas clubbing. Guest starring KATE FITZPATRICK, GENNIE NEVINSON, VANESSA DOWNING and MYLES POLLARD.

Dave reluctantly bonds with Warney and discovers the beginnings of a surprising friendship. Julie cramps Rachel's style when she signs up for the same yoga class. Guest starring BERNARD CURRY.

Julie realises that her 'mother's radar' is not always on track. Desperate for some time to themselves, Nathan and Sammy organise a romantic rendezvous. Rachel's relationship with her hot yoga teacher is exposed to the family. Guest starring Bernard Curry.

Ben willingly takes on a call to jury duty where he meets Kat, a massage therapist with a refreshing perspective. Meanwhile, Dave's fledgling business is struggling under the weight of too much work until he gets a helping hand. Guest starring Melanie Vallejo.

Looking for a new direction and focus, Rachel throws herself into starting a new chapter in her life. Meanwhile, Dave's struggling with his new business partner. Guest starring Simon Bossell and Raelee Hill.

Dave sees red when he learns that the man Rachel is dating is an old cricket friend from many years ago. Melissa and Chrissy are still suspicious of Kat. Ted ventures into the world of dating. Guest starring Kate Fitzpatrick, Gennie Nevison, Simon Bossell and Alyssa-Jane Cook.

After a drunken one-night-stand, Ben faces a gut-wrenching dilemma. Meanwhile, Dave is keen to spice up his marriage and organises a rendezvous with Julie. Sammy and Nathan's relationship becomes strained when he discovers she's lied to him. Guest starring George Spartels and Dina Panozzo.

Ben challenges fate to grant him one last chance to redeem himself. Julie reaches some startling conclusions about the state of her health. And Rob is scarily keen to play happy families with Rachel. Guest starring George Spartels and Dina Panozzo.

Julie fears that as she heads into menopause she's losing the 'mojo' that has always enabled her to dispense sound wisdom to family and friends. Meanwhile, Ben resolves to declare his love for Melissa on national television - with tragi-comic results.

The Rafters confront in their various ways the bittersweet anniversary of Grandma Louise's tragic death and Nathan and Sammy's wedding. Meanwhile, Julie is left shell-shocked after a visit to her doctor.

Julie and Dave wrestle with a life- changing decision that will shake the foundation of the family. Rachel reveals a painful secret from her past. And Ben fears the worst when Melissa's ex-fiance turns up on his doorstep.