Shelley Long proves the old adage ‘mother knows best’ wrong in an all-new episode packed with punchlines. The Cheers comedienne is on scene-snatching form as DeDe, Jay’s estranged ex-wife, who’s back in town to make amends for her performance at his wedding to Gloria: a wrecking ball could scarcely cause more damage.

DeDe isn’t exactly the Mary Poppins of mothers. She tells Mitchell and Claire that she’s gone all spiritual but divulges that there’s a sexual motive behind her wish for atonement. In a conversation that goes way beyond the (waist)line, DeDe explains she can’t be satisfied by her new lover until she’s moved on: “We do things to each other. We use our hands.”

Cam claimsthisweek’s biggest laugh though, offering his own character assessment/assassination of his mum-in-law. Modern Family’s triumvirate of colourful clans then come together for Sunday lunch, where DeDe’s presence proves as popular as a furrier at an RSPCA convention, and culminates in a spot of strangulation. And, just as the sitcom threatens to enter softer-than-melted-butter territory, it throws a perfect comedy curveball involving Hayley’s singer boyfriend and some lusty lyrics.

Thursday 5th November at 8pm on Sky1 along with Episode 5 (COAL DIGGER) at 8:30pm