Weird and Wonderful

And then there's Ned's attractive shop assistant Olive, who is in the most unrequited of love with him and doesn't look kindly upon this mysterious new Chuck girl stealing her man. Adorably fleshed out by Broadway musical actress Kristin Chenoweth, Olive's bubbly persona masks unhappiness and jealousy.

In a later episode, alone except for the cleaner, she bursts into a heartfelt, musically backed rendition of 'Hopelessly Devoted to You'. It's that kind of show.

There's so much more to say, but I really don't want to spoil all the secrets. As a TV critic, I was fortunate enough to review the first season's nine episodes on its US run, before the full complement was cut short by the writers' strike.

If you adore the first episode – trust me, you will – then keep watching, because the stories and relationships keep getting funnier, sweeter and more ingenious.

Honestly, I'm not on the ITV payroll, I just love this show and want to spread the word. After the first couple of episodes, you'll probably want to do the same.