G-g-g-g-goodness me!

Well, well, well, wonders never cease. Not only has an Australian man shown all those old XXXX adverts to be based in sunny reality, rather than hoary folklore, but I've discovered a fascinating Portuguese television show (if you've ever watched the box here, you'll know how rare such programmes are).

Tuning in atypically to channel three this evening, I came across something that looked vaguely familiar.

Watching the titles a little longer, I realised that not only was it familiar, but it was in fact a Portuguese version of an old English favourite. You can picture the scene already, I'm sure: A grocer's shop stacked high with tins and pickle jars, the tight-fisted grocer himself sporting a fine brown jacket, a youngish tank-topped sidekick, the buxom target of the grocer's affection leaning ever-so-suggestively out of her window opposite.

Yes, that's right folks, there is a Portuguese "Open All Hours". Almost every detail is the same as the Ronnie Barker/David Jason original, from the layout of the shop, with the flat behind, to the savage cash register that bites Arkwright's hand at every opportunity. Of course, there is the unrequited pursuit of Nurse Gladys Emmanuel, known here as Julieta. In fact the only thing that's missing is the stutter, w-w-w-w-which I think is a bit of a shame.

So, for your delectation, I am only too happy to present: "A Loja do Camilo" (Camilo's Shop)