Kindred spirits

Sir Michael Palin and Pearce Quigley star in the story of a lonely man who embarks on a magical quest...

- WORDS SEAN MARLAND, SIMON TIMBLICK. PHOTOS: BBC, ITV

NEW COMEDY

Small Prophets

Monday, 10pm (times vary), BBC2 (box set, BBC iPlayer)

It’s been more than 10 years since Mackenzie Crook won a BAFTA for writing BBC series Detectorists, and now he’s back with another warmhearted, perfectly observed comedy.

Six-parter Small Prophets tells the tale of Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley), a lonely man who works at a DIY store and still lives in the house he shared with his partner Clea until she disappeared seven years ago.

Michael has yet to come to terms with her departure and holds out hope that one day Clea will walk back through the door.

'It's a story about a man who goes on this extraordinary journey, but it's also about hope and friendship,' says former The Office star Crook, 54.

ALCHEMY