One Born Every Minute

The first episode of the fifth series introduces the straight-talking midwifery team in Bristol as an expectant father risks missing his daughter's birth and one of the team helps her next-door neighbour through an emotional labour. Michelle and Michael's parents are from different countries: hers are Chinese, his British. 'I was actually asked if I was a Thai bride when we were on our honeymoon!' says Michelle. They're both self-confessed gadget geeks, and are praying for a less traumatic birth second time round. Michelle lost a lot of blood during her first labour and Michael was traumatised by the experience. He's determined to be by her side for this delivery, but in a quiet few hours, he decides to head home for the evening and Michelle's contractions suddenly kick in. Expectant dad Rich, who's 35, used to be a committed bachelor with flash cars and a house full of televisions. According to Georgina, who's 25, all that's about to change; she's determined he'll swap his flamboyant lifestyle for something more family-friendly. Twenty-nine-year-old Louisa and midwife Vicki have been next-door-neighbours and friends for over 20 years. In a twist of fate, Vicki is on duty when Louisa comes onto the maternity ward, and helps her through an unexpectedly eventful labour. Also on hand is her big sister, Laura, who has so far been unable to conceive herself. It makes for an emotional delivery.