What will we all do when the final credits roll on the TV drama that's had all of us gripped for the last six weeks? The BBC's Happy Valley has united the nation and brightened up a usually dark and dreary January thanks to the incredible writing from Sally Wainwright and amazing performances from Sarah Lancashire et al.
But one of the best things about the third and final series of the BBC cop drama is the fact it's been drip fed rather than released all in one go on iPlayer. While it means millions of fans have had their patience tested as they've had to wait until 9pm every Sunday for the next offering, it also means that the country has been united in this wait.
Wherever you go - the school run, hairdressers, Tesco, the office - there's one question that everyone is asking: "Are you watching Happy Valley?" Quickly followed by? "How do you think it will end?"
Read more: What the Happy Valley cast are up to next including Sarah Lancashire and James Norton
While this is how the best TV dramas were always served up in the good old days when we lived in a four-channel terrestrial world, we are increasingly getting used to binge-watching an entire drama on iPlayer, All4 or ITVX as soon as the opening episode has finished so we aren't all in the same boat, all counting down together to the next episode and all out-guessing each other when it comes to whodunit.
The BBC has played a blinder by taking the decision to withhold the entire series of Happy Valley until all six episodes have been aired. Yes, I'm sure it would have been a huge success anyway as the drama itself is pure class but the way it's been scheduled has turned it into 'event' telly. The countdown to the actual finale feels a bit like the countdown to a massive sporting event with everyone buying in their drinks and nibbles and making preparations for watching it.
A quick look on Twitter on the morning of Sunday, February 5 and all everyone was tweeting about was the upcoming finale - how they couldn't wait that many hours until the conclusion and taking last-minute guesses about the outcome.
"#HappyValleyFinale ...... I fear the worst!" said one. "Not long now until #HappyValley #happyvalleyfinale I’m going to be bereft when it’s finally over. Best series ever and ALL the cast are outstanding," added a second.
A third said: "Can't wait to see it, but going to be absolutely gutted (either way) that it's over. Best TV in years #HappyValleyFinale."
"Not one to wish time away but Happy Valley can’t come fast enough tonight. TLR needs his comeuppance and I for one can’t wait for our Raquel to serve it to him #HappyValley #HappyValleyFinale," added this fan referring to Lancashire's Coronation Street character.
One fan had the ultimate dilemma - he and his wife had enjoyed the whole series together but she would be away on D-Day. "We probably won't get the chance to watch the last ever episode till Tuesday - which means I would have to shut down all social media to avoid spoilers - unless I watch it without her. Aargh!"
And this tweet sums up exactly what it's all about: "The fact that we all await and react together is brilliant. #HappyValleyFinale."
Read next:
BBC Happy Valley: Susan Lynch's movie star sibling and Line of Duty ex
Happy Valley star Sarah Lancashire gets parking ticket
Happy Valley cast and where you've seen them before
The Happy Valley quiz that will see if you're as sharp as Catherine Cawood
Happy Valley fan spots detail in Sarah Lancashire picture that proves how brilliant an actor she is
