Kay Mellor's characters are usually well formed, I find the main three characters in this series sketchy & lacking substance, which is probably due to poor casting. The titular "Girlfriends" are allegedly middle aged, with Miranda Richardson's character being the youngest of the group. I find it hard to believe this when both Zoe Wanamaker & Phyllis Logan's characters continually complain of hot flushes, these actresses are in their late & early 60's & due to the bizarre choice of wardrobe & hairstyles, look it! The sloppy casting make it hard to believe or indeed care about. Yes there are plenty of sub plots a la Mellor but it's not enough to make it "Too good to miss viewing."