SO, what's it all about...Granty?

This series has had more publicity than the Scottsh referendum.

Does it get my yes vote?

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

It is a three-parter that focuses on Cilla's rise to fame from typist to Cavern cloak room girl to pop star, meeting Bobbie Willis along the way who became her manager and later husband.

This is a love story taking place with the backdrop of the Merseybeat era.

Sheridan Smith as Cilla is perfect casting and Aneurin Barnard as Bobbie is outstanding.

I met the real Bobbie and he was a friendly, all-round good egg and devoted to R Cilla.

The pair capture the accents very well for non-Liverpudlians and are 'spot on' as they say In Scouseland.

Sadly, the same can't be said about the Fab Four portrayed here.

Was Boris Johnson a voice coach?

Ringo, sporting a head-turning quiff, sounds like he has been to elocution lessons.

No indication here that the Dingle drummer would one day voice Thomas the Tank Engine with his nasal twang.

The other three aren't much better.

Although this is not the story of The Beatles, they were instrumental in Cilla's career taking off.

They were pivotal, so I had hoped with the plethora of Beatle band tributes out there - individually and collectively- the casting department should have known better.

That said, the drama takes us away on a magical history tour of one girl's ambition and determination.

Sheridan Smith is also singing, not lip-synching.

Thumbs-up to the Linconshire born 33-year-old star.

Liverpool of the 60s is a star, too, captured brilliantly.

It is is also good fun spotting some Merseyside locations making guest appearances.

Wallasey Town Hall is used as a building double for a register office.

Brian Epstein has yet to say a word , but his vital part in the world of Cilla Black (born Pricilla White) will become clear in future episodes.

It is a fast and funny piece of storytelling with a warm, witty script from Jeff Pope.

And people actually say 'la' throughout.

It was good to see Everyman stalwarts appearing such as Andrew Schofield playing Bobbie's dad.

It has a real period feel to it like the 60s-based series Heartbeat without the coppers.

Cilla, the drama, was bound to be an enjoyable experience when the girl from Scottie Road herself gave it her blessing.

Gear and fab, indeed.