I'd never really fancied watching this programme before, it's not one that's caught my imagination particulary. After watching The Apprentice and afterwards, the 'You're Fired' bit on BBC2, I was still fancying watching something else so had a flick and found The Street was on BBC1. Like I said it's not one of those things I thought was me, but I'd heard a lot of good things about it. Seeing Timothy Sspall, who I rate as an actor, was starring in it I thought, 'well I'll watching the first ten minutes and see what it's like.' When you are still sitting there and hour later and hadn't realised the time going by you know you've been watching something good.

The programme is on BBC1 on Wednesday nights. The first episode of the third series of The Street aired a few weeks back. The previous two series have achieved much acclaim and awards, including 2 Baftas and 2 Emmys. I hadn't realised quite what a star cast it had until I had a look on the BBC website (Although it only gives information on the first two series, come on BBC update your website!). The first two series have featured stars such as Jim Broadbent, Jane Horrocks and Timothy Spall and the current series is to include performances by Ruth Jones, Bob Hoskins and Anna Friel.

Although the cast lists are impressive we don't see them all in every episode. The whole programme is set in a street in Manchester and each episode focuses on a different person or family. Although you'll see some of the same faces pop up throughout the episodes are pretty much 'one off' storylines. For this reason I found it really easy to get to grips with having started watching series three yet not having seen one or two. You don't really need to. It's an unusual watch. Watching The Street feels very much like a soap opera (with better acting), however it's very much classed as a drama serial as the theme of 'The Street' is continuing, the episodes could also be treated as 'One off' dramas. For this reason I think it's very cleverly constructed.

Series Three is well underway now, but don't let that put you off watching, as I say. each episode can be enjoyed without any prior knowledge. Past episodes can always be viewed on iplayer if you miss them.

A show I recommend, try it even if you don't thing it's 'your thing,' you may be surprised.