McGovern’s drama once again shows us real issues

CARE

Sunday, BBC One

SIR CLIFF RICHARD: 60 YEARS IN PUBLIC AND IN PRIVATE

Monday, STV

Jimmy McGovern is pretty much the last man standing from that once fecund breed of compassionate left-wing television dramatists with something important to say.

Once he hangs up his spurs, I doubt we’ll see his like again. To be honest, I’m amazed that, after eight years of successive Tory governments breathing down their neck, the BBC still allows him free reign. Hats off to them for that.

I suspect it’s because McGovern dramas like CARE carry a weight of prestige while attracting healthy viewing figures. The fact that millions of people still engage with his work is enough to restore your faith in human nature.

He co-wrote this emotionally raw