The BBC preview information for the second series of House of Fools calls it an “acclaimed comedy”. I don’t remember it being that acclaimed beyond the loyal hardcore of R&M fans who love most of the work they do together. In fact there was even a question mark at one point over whether there would be a second series.

But sing hosannas, thank goodness that it is back, because Vic and Bob seem to have well and truly cracked it this time. Picking up where the Christmas Special left off this first episode of the new series is a veritable riot of ridiculous laughs, mixing the knockabout and the surreal with the kind of mainstream moments which suggests that this could almost give Miranda a run for its money in the popularity stakes. Now wouldn’t that be brilliant?

The set-up is slightly different this time round. Barnaby-buffing neighbour Julie is now running a bistro – very Robin’s Nest – and Vic and Bob have a gig there with Beef (Matt Berry). Except that there is a dramatic falling out over the name of the band, prompting Vic and Bob to divide their house down the middle – very Steptoe & Son. Bob's solo musical career sounds particularly promising: "a bit like Ted Sheeran".

It’s not the plot that keeps you watching though, it’s the slapstick gags. Coffee mugs cascade out of the cupboard, Vic plays with Bob’s wig and there is a great staircase-related bit of business. Meanwhile Bob’s son Erik (Daniel Simonsen) has a date and his choice of outfit causes further hilarity - as does his date, a female version of himself played by Ellie White. There is something gloriously childish and unfettered about their humour. I could have happily watched those mugs cascade for 30 minutes. Every week. 

There’s certainly lots going on here. Morgana Robinson’s Julie has really grown on me – her eyeballs deserve a spin-off series in their own right, while Bosh (Dan Skinner) is working as the world’s foulest waiter in Julie’s Bistro. We won’t give any more away, but it all ends with a ramshackle singalong and the cameras pulling back to reveal the set – very Mrs Brown’s Boys.

Mondays, 10pm, BBC2