Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PILOT | The Health Assessment | 20211217 | 20231201 (R4) | In the pilot episode, The Health Assessment, Hector finds his acerbic wit is not sufficient to counter an unsympathetic health assessor who threatens to remove his benefits - while an unwelcome visit from Amanda, who threatens to remove son William from his keeping, leaves Hector in a fragile state. Thankfully Susan is there to help keep Hector's head above water. Created and Written by Magnus Mackintosh Health Assessor- Steven McNicoll William- Matthew Gilmour Wright Paramedic- Moray Hunter Doctor- Jenny Ryan Programme Manager: Tayler Norris Sound Engineer and Editor: Lee McPhail Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, Scotland Struggling with mental health issues, Hector faces a health assessment. Stars Jamie Sives. Struggling to look after his son William and dogged by his own mental health issues, Hector faces a health assessment which could seriously impact his life. Stars Jamie Sives. A sitcom, written by George Mason, and starring Jamie Sives, Rosalind Sydney, Gail Watson, Matthew Gilmour Wright, Steven McNicoll, Jenny Ryan and Moray Hunter, about Hector - an optimistic but struggling 42-year-old single father living in Edinburgh who has long term mental health issues. His son William is 10 years old and is wise beyond his years. His self-orientated, acid tongued ex-partner Amanda brings waves of destruction while his caring, thoughtful neighbour Susan calms the waters. With seemingly impossible dreams of being a successful writer, Hector faces day to day struggles, juggling lack of money, manoeuvring of the benefits system and the often selfless task of being a good single father. In this pilot episode, The Health Assessment, Hector finds his acerbic wit is not sufficient to counter an unsympathetic health assessor who threatens to remove his benefits - while an unwelcome visit from ex-wife Amanda, who threatens to remove son William from his keeping, leaves Hector in a fragile state. Thankfully his friend and neighbour Susan is there to help keep Hector's head above water. ~Disordered is a funny but moving sitcom about one man's struggle to improve his life whilst navigating mental health issues.The writer George Mason has personally struggled with mental health issues over 27 years. Most recently he has been focused on blogging about mental health. He openly discusses his own mental health issues in the hope he can help others and raise awareness. | |
| 01 | 01 | Free-fall. Free Food | 20231208 | 20251027 (R4) |  A comedy drama, written by Magnus Mackintosh, and starring Jamie Sives as Hector, an optimistic but struggling 42-year-old single father, with long-term mental health issues, who lives in Edinburgh with his unusually bright 10-year-old son William. He is aided by kindly friend and neighbour Susan and hindered by acerbic ex-partner Amanda. In episode one, Free-Fall, Free Food, Hector has trouble with an unsympathetic job advisor and his callous landlady, and ends up having to resort to using the food bank, where a fiery encounter with an aggressive customer leaves Hector battered and bruised, literally and metaphorically. When acid tongued ex-partner Amanda pours oil on the flames by threatening to take custody of William, Hector is left in a fragile state. Thankfully caring, thoughtful neighbour Susan is there to help keep Hector's head above water. The writer, Magnus Mackintosh, has personally struggled with mental health issues over 27 years. He openly discusses his own mental health issues on social media in the hope he can help others and raise awareness. Created and Written by Magnus Mackintosh Cast Hector- Jamie Sives Susan- Rosalind Sydney Amanda- Gail Watson William- Raffi Phillips Thresher- Steven McNicoll Cleaver- Anita Vettesse Man- Gordon Kennedy Studio Engineer and Editor- Lee McPhail Production Manager- Tayler Norris Title Music- Just Breathe by Police Dog Hogan Produced and Directed by Moray Hunter and Gordon Kennedy Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, East Lothian An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 Hector has a difficult encounter when forced to use the food bank. Stars Jamie Sives. Sitcom about a single father living in Edinburgh who has long term mental health issues. Dogged by mental health issues and struggling to pay his rent and feed William, his son, Hector has a difficult encounter when forced to use the food bank. Stars Jamie Sives. |
| 01 | 01 | Free-fall. Free Food | 20231208 | In episode one, Free-Fall, Free Food, Hector has trouble with an unsympathetic job advisor and his callous landlady, and ends up having to resort to using the food bank, where a fiery encounter with an aggressive customer leaves Hector battered and bruised, literally and metaphorically. When acid tongued ex-partner Amanda pours oil on the flames by threatening to take custody of William, Hector is left in a fragile state. Thankfully caring, thoughtful neighbour Susan is there to help keep Hector's head above water. Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, East Lothian Hector has a difficult encounter when forced to use the food bank. Dogged by mental health issues and struggling to pay his rent and feed William, his son, Hector has a difficult encounter when forced to use the food bank. | |
| 01 | 02 | Light, Dark, Light | 20231215 | 20251103 (R4) | A comedy drama, written by Magnus Mackintosh, and starring Jamie Sives as Hector, an optimistic but struggling 42-year-old single father, with long-term mental health issues, who lives in Edinburgh with his unusually bright 10-year-old son William. He is aided by kindly friend and neighbour Susan and hindered by acerbic ex-partner Amanda. In episode two, Light, Dark, Light, Hector is frustrated in his attempts to restore his benefits by his terminally unsympathetic benefits advisor and winds up dealing with loan sharks and even somebody helpful before finally the lights go out on him and William. Hector then gets his hands on some cash from an unlikely source, and, as ever, neighbour Susan and William are on hand with plenty good advice. The writer, Magnus Mackintosh, has personally struggled with mental health issues over 27 years. He openly discusses his own mental health issues on social media in the hope he can help others and raise awareness. Cast Hector- Jamie Sives Susan- Rosalind Sydney Amanda- Gail Watson William- Raffi Phillips Thresher/Bert- Steven McNicoll Advisor/Check out Person- Jenny Ryan Gabriel- Moray Hunter Dodgy- Gordon Kennedy Studio Engineer and Editor- Lee McPhail Production Manager- Tayler Norris Title Music- Just Breathe by Police Dog Hogan Produced and Directed by Moray Hunter and Gordon Kennedy Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, East Lothian An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4. Hector needs money fast, before the lights go out on him and William. Stars Jamie Sives. Sitcom about a single father living in Edinburgh who has long term mental health issues. Dogged by mental health issues and money worries, Hector ducks and dives and finally manages to borrow some cash and find some light after all the darkness. Stars Jamie Sives. |
| 01 | 02 | Light, Dark, Light | 20231215 | In episode two, Light, Dark, Light, Hector is frustrated in his attempts to restore his benefits by his terminally unsympathetic benefits advisor and winds up dealing with loan sharks and even somebody helpful before finally the lights go out on him and William. Hector then gets his hands on some cash from an unlikely source, and, as ever, neighbour Susan and William are on hand with plenty good advice. William- Raffi Philips Thresher/Bert- Steven McNicoll Advisor/Check out Person- Jenny Ryan Gabriel- Moray Hunter Dodgy- Gordon Kennedy Studio Engineer and Editor- Lee McPhail Production Manager- Tayler Norris Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, East Lothian Hector needs money fast, before the lights go out on him and William. Stars Jamie Sives. Dogged by mental health issues and money worries, Hector ducks and dives and finally manages to borrow some cash and find some light after all the darkness. Stars Jamie Sives. William- Raffi Phillips | |
| 01 | 03 | Haddock And Charlette With An E | 20231222 | 20251110 (R4) | A comedy drama, written by Magnus Mackintosh, and starring Jamie Sives as Hector, an optimistic but struggling 42-year-old single father, with long-term mental health issues, who lives in Edinburgh with his unusually bright 10-year-old son William. He is aided by kindly friend and neighbour Susan and hindered by acerbic ex-partner Amanda. In episode three, Haddock and Charlette with an E, Hector is stung into action when Susan finds an online admirer who seems so perfect she thinks he might be ?the one ?. With no little prompting from William, Hector also goes on a date with Charlette, with an E. Could Hector and Susan both find love at the same time? Meanwhile Amanda is concerned that Finlay is always busy with work. The writer, Magnus Mackintosh, has personally struggled with mental health issues over 27 years. He openly discusses his own mental health issues on social media in the hope he can help others and raise awareness. Created and Written by Magnus Mackintosh Cast Hector- Jamie Sives Susan- Rosalind Sydney Amanda- Gail Watson William- Raffi Phillips Haddrick- Jimmy Chisholm Charlette- Victoria Balnaves Studio Engineer and Editor- Lee McPhail Production Manager- Tayler Norris Title Music- Just Breathe by Police Dog Hogan Produced and Directed by Moray Hunter and Gordon Kennedy Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, East Lothian An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 Hector and Susan both go on dates but are they with the right person? Stars Jamie Sives. Sitcom about a single father living in Edinburgh who has long term mental health issues. Hector is stung into action, with help from William, when Susan finds herself an online admirer who she thinks might be 'the one'. Can Hector find his 'one'? Stars Jamie Sives. |
| 01 | 03 | Haddock And Charlette With An E | 20231222 | In episode three, Haddock and Charlette with an E, Hector is stung into action when Susan finds an online admirer who seems so perfect she thinks he might be ?the one ?. With no little prompting from William, Hector also goes on a date with Charlette, with an E. Could Hector and Susan both find love at the same time? Meanwhile Amanda is concerned that Finlay is always busy with work. Created and Written by Magnus Mackintosh William- Raffi Phillips Haddrick- Jimmy Chisholm Charlette- Victoria Balnaves Studio Engineer and Editor- Lee McPhail Production Manager- Tayler Norris Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, East Lothian Hector and Susan both go on dates but are they with the right person? Stars Jamie Sives. Hector is stung into action, with help from William, when Susan finds herself an online admirer who she thinks might be “the one ?. Can Hector find his “one ?? Stars Jamie Sives. | |
| 01 | 04 | Say It Out Loud | 20231229 | 20251117 (R4) | A comedy drama, written by Magnus Mackintosh, and starring Jamie Sives as Hector, an optimistic but struggling 42-year-old single father, with long-term mental health issues, who lives in Edinburgh with his unusually bright 10-year-old son William. He is aided by kindly friend and neighbour Susan and hindered by acerbic ex-partner Amanda. In episode four, Say It Out Loud, Hector makes big steps as he is encouraged by his therapist to face his demons. He also has to face Susan and Amanda, who are both dealing with unexpected and unwanted revelations in their love lives. Thankfully neighbour Mrs Harrington is around to spread some unexpected merriment and William, his usual calm and wisdom. The writer, Magnus Mackintosh, has personally struggled with mental health issues over 27 years. He openly discusses his own mental health issues on social media in the hope he can help others and raise awareness. Cast Hector- Jamie Sives Susan- Rosalind Sydney Amanda- Gail Watson William- Raffi Phillips Mrs Harrington- Barbara Rafferty Receptionist- David Kay Therapist- Stuart McQuarrie Studio Engineer and Editor- Lee McPhail Production Manager- Tayler Norris Title Music- Just Breathe by Police Dog Hogan Produced and Directed by Moray Hunter and Gordon Kennedy Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, East Lothian An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 Hector faces his demons, as well as Susan and Amanda, both in crisis. Stars Jamie Sives. Sitcom about a single father living in Edinburgh who has long term mental health issues. Hector makes big steps as he faces his demons. He also has to face Susan and Amanda, who are both dealing with unexpected revelations in their love lives. Stars Jamie Sives. |
| 01 | 04 | Say It Out Loud | 20231229 | In episode four, Say It Out Loud, Hector makes big steps as he is encouraged by his therapist to face his demons. He also has to face Susan and Amanda, who are both dealing with unexpected and unwanted revelations in their love lives. Thankfully neighbour Mrs Harrington is around to spread some unexpected merriment and William, his usual calm and wisdom. William- Raffi Phillips Mrs Harrington- Barbara Rafferty Receptionist- David Kay Therapist- Stuart McQuarrie Studio Engineer and Editor- Lee McPhail Production Manager- Tayler Norris Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, East Lothian Hector faces his demons, as well as Susan and Amanda, both in crisis. Stars Jamie Sives. Hector makes big steps as he faces his demons. He also has to face Susan and Amanda, who are both dealing with unexpected revelations in their love lives. Stars Jamie Sives. | |
| 02 | 01 | Two Bedrooms, Three People | 20251229 | A comedy drama, written by Magnus Mackintosh, and starring Jamie Sives as Hector, an optimistic but struggling 43-year-old single father, with long-term mental health issues, who lives in Edinburgh with his unusually bright 11-year-old son William. He is aided by kindly friend and neighbour Susan and hindered by acerbic ex-partner Amanda. In Episode One, Two Bedrooms, Three People, Hector and William both struggle having ex-wife/Mum Amanda staying as a lodger and do everything they can to help Amanda find somewhere for herself. Susan also feels left out, especially when Hector meets social-media savvy Joy at a food bank fundraiser. The writer, Magnus Mackintosh, has personally struggled with mental health issues over 27 years. He openly discusses his own mental health issues on social media in the hope he can help others and raise awareness. Created and Written by Magnus Mackintosh Cast Hector - Jamie Sives Susan - Rosalind Sydney William - Raffi Philips Amanda - Gail Watson Housing Officer – Steven McNicoll Joy – Alison O'Donnell Studio Engineer and Editor - Lee McPhail Production Manager - Tayler Norris Title Music - Just Breathe by Police Dog Hogan Produced and Directed by Moray Hunter and Gordon Kennedy Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, East Lothian An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 Hector struggles having ex-wife Amanda as a lodger. As does Susan. Stars Jamie Sives. Sitcom about a single father living in Edinburgh who has long term mental health issues. Having ex-wife Amanda as a lodger is not working for anyone. Amanda needs her life back, Hector needs his space, Susan needs Hector, and William - needs the loo! Stars Jamie Sives. | |
| 02 | 02 | Someone Like Me | 20260105 | A comedy drama, written by Magnus Mackintosh and starring Jamie Sives as Hector, an optimistic but struggling 43-year-old single father, with long-term mental health issues, who lives in Edinburgh with his unusually bright 11-year-old son William. He is aided by kindly friend and neighbour Susan and hindered by acerbic ex-partner Amanda. In Episode Two, Someone Like Me, Hector has an extremely unusual first date with social-media obsessed Joy, followed by a surprise encounter at a Sexual Abuse Support Group. This, in tandem with some gentle persuasion from William, leads to a big change in Hector's life. The writer, Magnus Mackintosh, has personally struggled with mental health issues over 27 years. He openly discusses his own mental health issues on social media in the hope he can help others and raise awareness. Created and Written by Magnus Mackintosh Cast Hector - Jamie Sives Susan - Rosalind Sydney William - Raffi Philips Amanda - Gail Watson Joy – Alison O'Donnell Jeanine – Jenny Ryan Keith – David Kay Colin – Moray Hunter Studio Engineer and Editor - Lee McPhail Production Manage r- Tayler Norris Title Music - Just Breathe by Police Dog Hogan Produced and Directed by Moray Hunter and Gordon Kennedy Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, East Lothian An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 A surprise meeting at a support group leads to big changes for Hector. Stars Jamie Sives. Sitcom about a single father living in Edinburgh who has long-term mental health issues. Possibly the strangest date ever, a surprise encounter at a support group meeting and some gentle nudging from William lead to a big change for Hector. Stars Jamie Sives. | |
| 02 | 03 | Chaos Out Of Order | 20260112 |  A comedy drama, written by Magnus Mackintosh and starring Jamie Sives as Hector, an optimistic but struggling 43-year-old single father, with long-term mental health issues, who lives in Edinburgh with his unusually bright 11-year-old son William. He is aided by kindly friend and neighbour Susan and hindered by acerbic ex-partner Amanda. In Episode Three, Chaos From Order, Hector and Susan are now an item and all is going well, until the appearance on the scene of an ex-boyfriend and a new friend for Hector raise trust issues between them. Then a surprise visitor from his past completely knocks Hector sideways. The writer, Magnus Mackintosh, has personally struggled with mental health issues over 27 years. He openly discusses his own mental health issues on social media in the hope he can help others and raise awareness. Created and Written by Magnus Mackintosh Cast Hector - Jamie Sives Susan - Rosalind Sydney William - Raffi Philips Amanda - Gail Watson Sally – Amy Conachan Waiter and Assessor – Steven McNicoll Simon – Gordon Kennedy Dad – Peter Mullan Studio Engineer and Editor - Lee McPhail Production Manager - Tayler Norris Title Music - Just Breathe by Police Dog Hogan Produced and Directed by Moray Hunter and Gordon Kennedy Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, East Lothian An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 Hector and Susan are now an item, and all is well - for at least a day. Stars Jamie Sives. Sitcom about a single father living in Edinburgh who has long-term mental health issues. Hector and Susan are now an item, and all is well - until trust issues come to a head. Then a surprise visitor from his past completely knocks Hector sideways. Stars Jamie Sives. | |
| 02 | 04 | Fathers, Urinal Cakes And Decisions | 20260119 | A comedy drama, written by Magnus Mackintosh and starring Jamie Sives as Hector, an optimistic but struggling 43-year-old single father, with long-term mental health issues, who lives in Edinburgh with his unusually bright 11-year-old son William. He is aided by kindly friend and neighbour Susan and hindered by acerbic ex-partner Amanda. In Episode Four, Fathers, Urinal Cakes and Decisions, Hector faces up to his dad, with William acting as a buffer between them, and is then thrown by an unexpected romantic offer. His suddenly messy love life forces Hector to face up to a huge decision, that will affect his, and William's, future. The writer, Magnus Mackintosh, has personally struggled with mental health issues over 27 years. He openly discusses his own mental health issues on social media in the hope he can help others and raise awareness. Created and Written by Magnus Mackintosh Cast Hector - Jamie Sives Susan - Rosalind Sydney William - Raffi Philips Amanda - Gail Watson Dad – Peter Mullan Sally – Amy Conachan Peter Krysler – Kal Sabir Simon – Gordon Kennedy Police Officer – Moray Hunter Studio Engineer and Editor - Lee McPhail Production Manager - Tayler Norris Title Music - Just Breathe by Police Dog Hogan Produced and Directed by Moray Hunter and Gordon Kennedy Recorded at Castlesound Studios, Pencaitland, East Lothian An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4 Hector faces up to his dad and numerous dilemmas in his love life. Stars Jamie Sives. Sitcom about a single father living in Edinburgh who has long-term mental health issues. Having faced up to his dad, thanks to help from William, Hector is thrown by an unexpected offer, leaving him with a huge decision to make about their future. Stars Jamie Sives. |