THE LARKINS

The big talking point surrounding the return of UTV’s bucolic hit was the news that Sabrina

Bartlett wouldn’t be returning as Mariette, citing ‘scheduling clashes’ as the reason for her departure after just one series (although rumours of a fallingout were rife). It’s a disappointment then that we don’t get to see her replacement, Joelle

Rae, in the opening episode of the new series as Mariette and new husband Charley are still on their honeymoon in France. We do still have a couple of fresh new faces to enjoy though, as comedy veterans Morgana Robinson and Julian RhindTutt join the cast as the super-rich Jerebohms, who are down from London and now the owners of the big house — but after discovering they’ve paid far too much for the property they’re out for revenge. And guess who sold it to them? Yes, that’s right, Pop Larkin, who is once again jubilantly played by a twinkly-eyed Bradley Walsh, with Joanna Scanlan and Lydia Page back by his side as loveable Ma and daughter Primrose (right). That’s the set-up for a charming series that revels in its picture-postcard re-creation of an idyllic life in the countryside during the 1950s, where the sun always shone, the beer always flowed and everyone was happy with their lot. Those who were there probably remember it differently, of course, but why let that spoil a comedy drama that makes perfect restful Sundaynight viewing and a lovely distraction from the woes outside the living room. Sunday, 8pm, UTV