In a world of infinite viewing and entertainment options it ranks as one of the worst things to watch on a screen. Quite how it managed to secure a second, let alone a 10th series with such embarrassing audience numbers, terrible script, and wooden characters is quite baffling - yet I found myself drawn to it like a sucker for a cult B-movie once more. This time, the trailers had suggested, it could break the mould and be genuinely entertaining.

But no sooner had I sat down to watch last week’s episode than I found myself scanning the extras in the background whenever the cameras panned round. Even though I convinced myself he had to be there, I just couldn’t spot him. Maybe his secondment to the corporate comms team had come to an end but the calming and influential hand of sergeant detective lieutenant Frank Drebin had definitely left its mark.

Without a hint of irony or nod to the firestorm it had hitherto neglected to be bothered about for years, the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) finally conceded: “Raising this issue (of sex and gender) at our September Board meeting will provide an opportunity to seek public assurance and clarification that the approach and recording policy is both reasonable and lawful.” Better late than never I suppose.

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