Northern Ireland has never struggled to make the news. Finding ourselves elsewhere in the television schedules, however, was another matter.

That is part of what made programmes such as Give My Head Peace and The Blame Game important.

Here were people with familiar accents talking about things that resonated with audiences here.

They understood the references, the frustrations and the absurdity. Nobody needed to stop and give a history lesson before getting to the punchline.

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There is a pleasure in watching programmes which treat the viewer as an informed collaborator. Hearing an expression you’ve grown up with, or recognising a situation without having your own home explained to you for the benefit of somebody watching elsewhere.

Sophie Clarke:........

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