Annie Bailey has lived in the shadow of her perfect sister Ruthie for too long, but now the stakes are higher because Ruthie has something that Annie has always wanted, and that's local villain Max Carter. Whether it's love or lust, Annie gets her man but soon realises being cast out on the streets is no substitute for family. Homeless, she finds refuge at the only place she knows she can, an East End knocking shop run by her wayward Aunt Celia. It's not too long before Annie's ruling the roost, but obsession and mixing with a 'bad lot' can be woman's downfall.