Mick Hartley

I've been catching up on the second series of The Tower on ITVX. It's not particularly original but it's well done, and yes…gritty. Very gritty. So, when the investigation into a missing teenage girl is re-opened, it turns out that a known sex offender had contact with her. He's brought in for questioning, and talks about how he likes masturbating – wanking, as he says proudly – over young girls in their underwear, while forcing the terrified victims to say how much they're enjoying the experience. Not the kind of storyline you got in Dixon of Dock Green.

I just wonder about the actor. It's probably not what he had in mind when he decided on an acting career. Dealing with his agent – "Got anything for me?"…"Well, there's an ITV police thriller looking for someone to play a child molester. Might be your sort of thing."

And the parents…"Haven't heard from you in a while. How's it going? We're always on the lookout for you on the telly – I wish you'd let us know when you're on. Bob and Muriel keep asking about you at our bridge evenings. And Granny, poor thing…she's always on about you at the Home – I'm sure they must be sick and tired of her by now! But she's so proud of you. It'd be lovely if you could let her know next time you're on, so she can sit round with her friends and show you off. It'd make her day."