Bigotted, blinkered and ignorant, Alf Garnett is one of those sitcom monsters we love to hate.

Yet as he gets older – these episodes date from 1987 – there are signs that he just might be mellowing, even to the extent of subletting his spare room to a mincingly gay West Indian.

And there are occasions (dare I say it?) when he becomes almost likeable. As always, Warren Mitchell’s bravura performance keeps all eyes focused in his direction but there is an excellent supporting cast, including Arthur English, Patricia Hayes and even Spike Milligan in a cameo. A particular highlight is the episode in which Alf is spooked after a séance conducted by a doo-lally Irene Handl.