There's NUN so good at crime fighting!

Ahead of its Christmas special, JAMES RAMPTON visits the picturesque Cotswolds set of Sister Boniface Mysteries (at the height of summer) to discover just why the Sixties-set cosy crime drama has captivated audiences all over the world

- JAMES RAMPTON

IT'S HIGH summer in the picture-postcard village of Stanton in the heart of the Cotswolds. The scorching sun is dappling the village's distinctive honeyhued stone. It's the perfect summer's day in this ravishing part of England.

And yet, festive wreaths are hanging from every door, you can't move for decorations and there are more Christmas trees than you can shake a pine needle at.

There is even a sprinkling of snow on the ground. Yes, they are filming the Christmas special of Sister Boniface Mysteries and, naturally, it's the hottest day of the year.

This charming "cosy crime" drama is set in the splendidly named fictional Warwickshire village of Great Slaughter during the 1960s. It centres on a magnetic, offthe-wall sleuthing nun called Sister Boniface, played with a mischievous sparkle by Lorna Watson.

Coming over to talk exclusively to the Daily Express between scenes, Lorna laughs about the broiling sun during the filming of the Christmas sequences: "Obviously, we are in a heatwave!"

Dressed in Sister Boniface's trademark habit, the actor continues: "The note from the director is always, 'Don't forget you're cold' - even though we are really rather the opposite, covered in the warmest of costumes in the sweltering heat."

Lorna confesses that it is a particular challenge to wear the thick, dark habit under the midday sun. "We heat up a treat," she says. "When igets too hot, we have to bring ice packs out and strap them around our bellies."

Like Formula One drivers, I venture. "In so many ways," she replies wryly. "It does get toasty. But you get used to the heat and you get used to not being able to hear properly under the wimple."

Sister Boniface Mysteries, which begins its fourth series next year, revolves around the charismatic titular character, a brilliant woman with a PhD in forensic science who worked in a top-secret role at Bletchley Park during the Second World War.