ON SCREEN: Greek idylls

As The Durrells (8pm, ITV) continues to showcase the beautiful landscapes of Corfu, we look at some of the most famous films set in wonderful Greek locales…

Never On Sunday (1960) Shot on location in the port of Piraeus, and with a hit soundtrack, this stars Greek actress Melina Mercouri (the future wife of director Jules Dassin) as a happygo-lucky prostitute who meets an American scholar – and he tries to change her ways.

Zorba The Greek (1964) Alan Bates is a shy author hoping to overcome writer’s block on a trip to Crete (where the film was shot). After he meets peasant Anthony Quinn, his passions are ignited by sun, drink, dancing – and a dash of Greek tragedy.

Shirley Valentine (1989) Pauline Collins is the British woman who swaps her stale marriage for a Greek holiday. On the island of

Mykonos, she meets a local man

(Tom Conti, right), and learns that Greece has more to offer her than her old life back home. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

(2001) On a remote island – this was filmed on Cephalonia – a local doctor’s daughter (Penelope Cruz) falls in love with the occupying Italian commander, played by Nicolas Cage.

Mamma Mia! (2008) This film version of the Abba-inspired hit jukebox musical, starring Amanda Seyfried (left), finds the upbeat tone of the songs coming to life on a picturesque Greek island. Filming locations include the island of Skopelos and, on the mainland, the Pelion peninsula.