When I reviewed Cranford for the first time, I got a little over-excited, and declared that I might have found the very best television show of the whole year. But now I am in more sombre mood… well I feel precisely the same way, actually, and I have absolutely no doubt that it deserves its high spot in our Top 50 of 2007.

Funnier than most comedies on TV, and more emotional than most other dramas, this is one of the most accomplished programmes I’ve seen all year; the perfect combination of a sparky script, and astonishingly good acting from all involved.

Of course, the hints that this might just be something special were there from the very beginning. Any production that can bring together the talents of Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Imelda Staunton, Michael Gambon and Philip Glenister among many, many others, must have something going for it. I have previously admired the writer of this series too – Heidi Thomas’s film adaptation of I Capture The Castle is touching and laugh-out-loud funny.

Perhaps, then, we shouldn’t be too surprised that Cranford has found itself into our Top 10, but we’ve all made the mistake before of assuming that, just because people we like are in a show, that the show must automatically be worthy of them. No problems of that sort here, though. The first thing that struck me about this programme was how funny it was. I had expected something rather dour and Victorian but I have laughed on several occasions, especially in the first episode. Two scenes especially had me creasing up – when the cat ate some lace and had to pass it out into a wellington boot, and hearing Miss Matty utter the line “Miss Deborah does not care for the word ‘suck’”.

Ah Miss Deborah. I have not had the pleasure of seeing Dame Eileen Atkins too often, but I will be seeking out everything she has graced with her presence from now on (starting with the BBC’s adaptation of Ballet Shows to be shown this Christmas). Her portrayal of the staid but ultimately utterly humane Miss Deborah was absolute perfection, so much so that Judi Dench had to take a back seat for while. Miss Deborah’s death was a massive shock, but it is a credit to the rest of the cast that Cranford continues to be required viewing.

The scenes concerning Lady Ludlow, Mr. Carter and little Harry are also some of my favourites. I have no doubt that we’ll be seeing much more of Harry’s real life alter-ego, Alex Etel, in the years to come, and Francesca Annis, as the anachronistically 18th century Lady Ludlow, perfectly shows the aristocracy’s attempts to hold back societal changes in the face of reformers such as her own estate manager, Mr. Carter (Glenister).

What is most impressive perhaps, is that there are no weak links in this chain. The relationship between Sophy and Dr Harrison is charming, Imelda Staunton is hilarious as Miss Pole, and Mary Smith (Lisa Dillon) and Miss Matty are warmth personified. It is only a shame that Cranford must come to an end next Sunday.

Take a look at the rest of our Top 50 of 2007 here.