Romance of the year with Midwife Phyllis and Sgt Wolfie

Making predictions in January may be utterly foolish, but I’m going to do it anyway. When 2018’s end-of-year lists are compiled, I fully expect the greatest TV romance award to go nurse Phyllis Crane and Sgt Woolf from Call The Midwife.

A confirmed spinster who is married to her job and a career copper whose only life partner appears to have been his trusty policeman’s whistle.

We saw the first sparks in that slushy Christmas Day episode and the flames were taking hold as the new series began last night.

Come on, when Phyllis (Linda Bassett, left) shared that footlong apple strudel with Wolfie at the end of this emotional opening episode, she wasn’t just thanking him for the kindness he had shown to a retired Jewish baker and his dying wife.

She was saying: “Your move, sunshine.” She didn’t just give him a slice either. She gave him a full half. What more proof do you need? This storyline alone is enough to keep me glued for the next two months.

There’s loads more going on though – including more of the grittier stuff which Call The Midwife weaves in so seamlessly. Last night’s opener dealt with backstreet abortions, religious persecution, sleazy strip clubs and alcoholism.

Plus, following the introduction of Jamaican midwife Lucille Anderson, this series will be highlighting the racism faced by the migrant workers that helped the NHS out in its time of need in the 1960s.

What is it people say about learning the lessons of the past?