Tales of the Unexpected Series 7 is out on 12th May 2008, RRP £24.99. Initially based on Roald Dahl’s short story collection of the same name, over its nine-year run the popular series adapted the work of a variety of authors. The show’s wry, comedic tone offsets its macabre plots, in turn creating a highly entertaining brand of horror.

In this highly acclaimed seventh series—originally broadcast on ITV between 1984 and 1986—host John Houseman introduces each creepy tale (he took over from Dahl himself in the third series) while a wide range of actors step in to portray the murderers, swindlers, adulterers and liars (plus their victims) who are a narrative staple. The stories are not simple morality tales but thrilling vignettes tinged with irony and black humour.

Suspend your disbelief and each of the twenty episodes in series 7 is guaranteed to both disturb and amuse. Television enthusiasts will also recognise and enjoy superb performances from the likes of George Peppard (The A Team), Brad Dourif (Deadwood), Patrick Mower (Emmerdale Farm), and Zoe Wanamaker (My Family).