Three council workers enter a millionaire hoarder’s flat and are confronted by temptation from beyond the grave.

What a great season of Inside No 9 this has been, ranging from Shakespearean comedy to broad farce, to this tasty little horror gem. It’s a classic tale re-told by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, on this occasion The Monkey’s Paw by W W Jacobs. For those not familiar with the set-up, it’s all about getting three wishes, but be careful what you ask for…

Steve and Reece are Keith and Nick, initially very ‘by the book’ but slowly starting to crack under the temptation of countless riches. They are nicely offset by Weruche Opia as rookie Maz, asking the daft questions and saying the wrong things: “I’ve heard his son’s got M&S.”

As expected, things don’t go to plan, but there’s enough twists and turns to keep you wrong-footed and from working out the resolution before you’re expected to. Nigel Planer has a significant role as the video-taped millionaire, doling out plot exposition and warnings as required.

Verdict: Macabre, witty and fun, Inside No. 9 takes a bow with its strongest season yet. More please. 9/10

Nick Joy