The wonderful Ruth Jones as the faded Fora was, I'm sure I remember reading, based on a real ex-flame of Dickens and her superb Aunt (Annette Crosbie in a wonderful wig) is another glorious comic invention.

I cannot tell you how much I adore Dickens.

Oh yes I can; I do twice a week.

And the Flintwich mystery - is it Flintwich or Flintwinch? I am off to check my copy now. And are there identical twins - both played by the wonderful Alun Armstrong?