That Mark Gatiss, he’s a bit of star. Not only did he star in the landmark comedy series League Of Gentlemen (still to be seen on some UKTV channels), been involved in the new incarnation of Doctor Who, but he’s also created a brilliant, deliciously deviant character called Lucifer Box. The fey anti-hero (like Harry Flashman but batting for both sides) has starred in two novels so far – The Vesuvius Club and The Devil In Amber.

The Edwardian painter with a thing for spying, sex and espionage is classic. Both novels are well worth a read. So it fills my heart with joy and makes me giddy to read The Guardian’s story this morning that the Beeb has optioned The Vesuvius Club and will make it into a sumptious, saucy period drama. The story also suggests that Mark will star as Lucifer, and is already thinking ahead to adapting The Devil In Amber too. Brilliant news.