Emily Dawkins has cerebral palsy. However, because Emily doesn’t fit a stereotype (she can take care of herself and does not require round-the-clock care), her benefits are being cut. Devastated by this news, Emily doesn’t know how she’ll cope. The debts are mounting and her father’s meagre salary as a journalist at the local rag won’t make a dent. Enter Ewen, a local small-time criminal with some gear to shift. So begins Pushers, created by comedian Rosie Jones and writer Peter Fellows.

In Emily (Jones), Ewen (played wonderfully by Ryan McParland) sees the perfect patsy. Who is going to suspect a frail, probably dim, and very innocent-looking disabled woman of delivering drugs? Absolutely no one. Alongside a ragtag group of acquaintances, each with their own flavour of ‘otherness’, Emily and Ewen set about selling off a fair quantity of cocaine with an end goal of starting their lives afresh. Well, that’s the plan anyway.

Pushers isn’t here to make your life easier, but don’t worry: unlike the systems it rails against, the show is inclusive. Just be prepared to have a mirror held up to those prejudices you tell everyone you don’t have. A few of the jokes are almost too easy, but they’re trumped by those that toe-dip over the line. The series also explores myriad complex relationships amid the chaos without overanalysing.

Jones is terrific (unflinching, bold and tender) while McParland is the unlikely ally we all need. The rest of the cast frame this series nicely, providing both heart and comic timing that make it impossible not to laugh. Pushers probably won’t change the world, but with the whole spectrum of love, loyalty and friendship on display, it sure as hell deserves to take up some space.

All episodes of Pushers are available now.