YOU wouldn't lay odds on a sitcom about a sports agent raising a smile, but somehow Trevor's World of Sport (BBC1, Friday) might prove a winner.

The show stars Neil Pearson as a shining beacon of honesty and fair play in a business increasingly populated by sharks and shysters. His own partner Sammy, skilfully portrayed by Paul Reynolds, is one of the modern school - sharp, slithery and always on the lookout for a client 'heist'.

The sitcom works because of the edgy relationship between the two conflicting personalities - and because Pearson has the ability to totally convince in whatever role he tackles.

In the show Trevor is struggling to keep his principles intact, as his private life crumbles around him. His estranged wife is dating a bearded poet, and he has become a weekend dad to his teenage son Toby.

Back at the office, he is involved in a battle of wills with Sammy on what is and isn't acceptable business practice.

Real sporting celebrities make cameo appearances during the series, with differing impacts. Last Friday it was the turn of footballers Robbie Keane and Graeme Le Saux, who certainly shouldn't be seduced into thinking they can act when they hang up their boots!

Two ladies who certainly can act - Pam Ferris and Felicity Kendal - might have listened to the alarm bells ringing when they read the title on the script they were sent. Rosemary and Thyme? Featuring a pair of gardening amateur detectives called Rosemary Boxer and Laura Thyme? Theme tune, Scarborough Fair, of course! Could anything be more contrived?

Those were my thoughts before the first episode of ITV1's new series on Sunday night, but despite my initial misgivings I found myself warming to the central characters and enjoying the programme.

I reckon I'll still be allergic to Ground Force and the annoying phenomenon that is Charlie Dimmock, but this one could grow on me!

SOAP POSER:

I CAN'T quite understand why Corrie's Gail is so worried about granddaughter Bethany. The tot is already as big as Sarah Lou, and will soon be carrying HER around.

BITE-SIZE FAME-IDOL:

AFTER Saturday's public vote in Fame Academy, I think we now know what the 'Barryness of Barry' is - the ability to hypnotise viewers into thinking he was singing in tune.

Talking of which, the last contingent of hopeless wannabes were shown the door in Pop Idol. Now we are just left with the boringly talented ones. Ah, well, it was good while it lasted!