Hurrah for TV’s greatest escapism . . .

DID you read that the latest small-screen version of All Creatures Great And Small is proving to be a hit in America?

I wonder if they have seen The Durrells too (Callum Woodhouse is in both) — and Call The Midwife and Midsomer Murders and Death in Paradise . . ?

All those shows fill me with delight. I used to love Lark Rise To Candleford and Downton Abbey, of course. I make no apologies for loving the best of cosy British TV. As well as edgeof-seat dramas like Bodyguard and Broadchurch.

I’d never seen the new film of Dad’s Army until a few weeks ago and I loved it!

I used to be a bit of a TV snob and only watched documentaries and serious dramas. No more! I look forward to snuggling on the sofa with three little dogs and the husband and watching something that helps me forget Covid and whatever else is bothering me.

Is this mindless escapism? Not that I care . . . but I don’t think so. All Creatures Great And Small might seem an escape to Americans who have plenty of problems of their own, but I believe it flogs no fantasy.

The best of Britain is tolerant and easy-going and willing to go that extra mile to help others — then and now. Is life that different in rural areas?

Our new passion is a Canadian production (three series) on Netflix, called Anne With An E. Based on L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables (written in 1908).

This drama is full of tension and sorrow and kindness and laughter, realistic about the meanness of children and the perennial intolerance of small minds, revelatory about how love can grow between adopted parents and their children, and inspiring in all its examples of the power of kindness.

And all that beautifully written and shot in the Canadian landscape.

It is a total joy. Watching ‘feel good’ films makes you . . . yes . . . feel good. Result!

■ Bel answers readers’ questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, london W8 5TT, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co.uk. Names are changed to protect identities. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence.