“IT’S a great advert for community and helping each other.

“That sense of community and looking out for one another that we’ve very much lost nowadays.

“I do think there is a huge longing for that.”

Samantha Bond talking to me about the return of Home Fires to ITV at 9pm this Sunday (April 3).

The first series attracted an average audience of 6.2 million and wove its way into the hearts of viewers.

Having interviewed the cast for ITV ahead of that first series it was my pleasure to do the same again for series two.

As good as the opening series was, these six new episodes – set in the summer of 1940 – have really raised the bar.

With some terrific storytelling involving both the Great Paxford characters we know and a few new faces.

All beautifully acted and filmed for a real Sunday night treat.

Again including the award-winning music by composer Samuel Sim.