I’d forgotten how unremittingly bleak Thomas Hardy is (actually, there’s a great joke explanation for it in Jasper Fforde’s First Among Sequels). Poor Tess really wouldn’t have any luck if it wasn’t for bad luck! So this was less than a joyful watch, and whilst quite suited to a horrible rainy weekend afternoon, not something I’d recommend. In particular, I never really warmed to Gemma Arterton as Tess – she’s too drippy, and too pale and fragile to be believable as a working class girl.

On the bright side, it definitely makes you appreciate living post-women’s lib!!