Common: Q&A

TWO sons. Two mothers.

“I thought they were going for a pizza…”

If you have plans for Sunday night, cancel them now.

Common (BBC1, 9pm Sunday) is yet another classic drama by writer Jimmy McGovern.

Matched by the talents of a cast including Nico Mirallegro, Susan Lynch, Daniel Mays and Jodhi May, plus director David Blair.

The 90-minute film tells the story of Johnjo O’Shea, played by Nico, who gives his cousin and two mates a lift to get a pizza.

But Johnjo is unaware his three passengers are going to “have a word” with a local loudmouth.

As he sits outside waiting in the car for his pizza, one of the trio takes offence to a young innocent bystander and stabs him.

The Village: BAFTA Q&A

“MY name is Bert Middleton. I’m the second oldest man in Britain.

“This is the last thing I’ll do so you better listen carefully…”

Old Bert (David Ryall) talks to a modern day TV documentary crew in the opening moments of new BBC1 drama serial The Village.

Before we go back to the summer of 1914.

“The summer the bus came.”

“THIS is London…”

A BBC Radio announcer and the chimes of Big Ben herald the return of Upstairs Downstairs.

Its first full BBC1 series following the three episodes screened at Christmas 2010.

Keeley Hawes (Lady Agnes Holland) and Ed Stoppard (Sir Hallam Holland) again lead the line upstairs at 165 Eaton Place.

With Alex Kingston arriving in episode one as Dr Blanche Mottershead, the younger sister of Lady Holland.