Radio Times: Review by:; Jack Seale

Everyone in the Starlings cast is good, but Brendan Coyle is just about the stand-out. He’s lovely again in this episode as Terry, the calm, caring, slightly too proud father of the clan, who’s watching tomboy daughter Charlie play football and is overawed – hilariously so – when she earns a trial at the Starlings’ beloved Derby County.

Terry ends up meeting an ex-player whom he idolised in the 70s, but who’s now... you can probably already guess where the story goes. It doesn’t matter. Starlings is smooth, old-fashioned escapism, neatly knitted.

Meanwhile, the series’ central bromance develops as ranting Fergie and ineffectual Loz (creators Steve Edge and Matt King) try to start a minicab firm that will only use retro cars: Ford Cortinas, Austin Allegros etc. What could possibly go wrong?

About this programme

7/8. Loz's thrill-seeking new girlfriend causes tension between him and Ferg, and threatens to distract the duo from their new business venture - retro taxis. Meanwhile, Bell and Reuben seek relationship advice from a counsellor and Charlie catches the eye of a football scout at a match.