the Durrells returns

ITV, SUNDAY 18 MARCH, 8PM

If you’re after some much-needed warmth after the Beast From The East, then look no further than the third series of ITV’S gloriously sunny Sunday-night period drama to toast your cockles. Based on Gerald Durrell’s famous memoirs, it’s the story of his family’s highs and lows after relocating from drizzly England to beautiful Corfu, embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. At the end of last series, Gerry’s widowed mum Louisa (Keeley Hawes) was once again facing life alone, after breaking up with love interest Hugh. Angst-ridden Margo (Daisy Waterstone) bagged herself a boyfriend, Gerry (Milo Parker) welcomed Corfu’s entire wildlife population into their home, Larry (Josh O’connor) embarked on a passionate affair with an older woman, and Leslie (Callum Woodhouse) became an unlikely hero when he helped housekeeper Lugaretzia’s daughter give birth in the kitchen. As we return to the idyllic island once again, Louisa’s putting hopes of finding love on hold while she guides her unruly brood towards happiness. Larry is smarting after his second novel flops and contemplates writing under the suitably pompous pseudonym Hieronymus Schnoop. Jerry is collecting more animals than they have space or food for (standard), Margo’s in need of “purpose” after her break-up with Zoltan, and Leslie is proving quite the player with not one, not two, but three girlfriends. Louisa decides to take Leslie’s love life into her own hands and, before long, the family hilariously form a girlfriend judging panel, each petitioning for their favourites – just in time for the arrival of their very own Simon Cowell, Aunt Hermione. As always, a joy from start to finish. ★★★★★ Kay Ribeiro

“Three girlfriends, really?!” Gerry Under pressure from his mum to not adopt any more animals, and to get rid of some, Jerry purposely releases all the chickens – enforcing a meat-free diet on the family.