Jam and Jerusalem

Thursdays at 10.20pm

Set in the Women's Guild of small Cornish town of Clatterford St. Mary, Jam and Jerusalem is a sitcom penned by the legendary Jennifer Saunders and features the cream of female British comedy.

But those expecting another riot of brash, in-your-face comedy like Absolutely Fabulous had better think again – Jam and Jerusalem is a gentler sitcom that explores the very different world of Middle England and British rural communities.

When Sal's husband suddenly dies of a heart attack, she's forced to give up her role as a practicing nurse at the local surgery. Without a job and feeling alone, Sal slowly realises that she needs the support of the Women's Guild as much as they need her; she decides to join them.

The Guild has always promoted the ideas of truth, tolerance and fellowship, but it's not long before Sue finds out that there's a lot more to the organisation and its members than just these ideological aspirations – the excuse for a good gossip is never frowned upon at the Guild.

With gossip, friendship and eccentric characters, Jam and Jerusalem is like a female Last Of The Summer Wine - just look at the cast: Sue Johnston, Pauline McLynn, Dawn French, Joanna Lumley and Sally Phillips.