There's something intrinsically funny about the phrase 'duvet cocoon'. But it takes true skill to wring a laugh out of old chestnuts such as 'committed spinster' or 'surprise package'. Somewhat improbably, though, a masterclass in the sitcom game is what Miranda (BBC1) has become.

Knowing yet naive, farcical yet heartfelt, Miranda (Hart) sails precariously close to self-parody and the storyline has disappeared up an amorous cul-de-sac. But still there's been the sense in this third series that this, more than any other recent comedy, will be the one playing on into eternity on cable rerun channels. It has the feel of an instant classic.

Yes, she falls over too much and there's more than a touch of fantasy wish fulfillment in Miranda's on-off-on-off (into however many series it can take) relationship with chef Gary. But it's hard to think of a sitcom in recent times whose laughs-per-minute ratio has been quite so high. Getting On, Grandma's House, Fresh Meat and The Thick Of It are superlative home-grown comedies but they make me laugh inside. Miranda has me chuckling on the outside.

She should have won her National Television Award for this, not the jolly hockey sticks nurse she could do in her sleep on Call The Midwife. For all the front-ons to camera and nudging in the ribs, inside the comedy Miranda there's a real character. Which is why she's duvet cocooned inside my affections.

Miranda series 3 finale: the Twitter reaction

Two proposals, lots of snogging, a cat in a bag, Carol Vorderman's rear of the year and a Gary cushion - here's the Twittersphere's thoughts on the end of the third series.

After Miranda's explosive declaration of undying love for chef Gary last week, it's hardly surprising she's feeling a little deflated tonight. How would you feel if your heartfelt outpouring was met with, well, nothing. So as Miranda (Hart) reaches the end of the current series, she's decided to embrace her singledom. Who needs boyfriends when there are kittens and a cushioned lap tray to share your life with? But Stevie - and Heather - think she should at least talk to gorgeous Gary. And as the gang collect in his restaurant, we build to the kind of cliffhanging am-dram climax only Miranda can get away with. Roll on series four.

Midwinter Mondays have been fluffed up considerably for the past six weeks, but make the most of Miranda Hart's vegetepals and aghast looks to camera, because this is the last in the present series.

Our lanky protagonist is a bit down after last week's spat with Gary (Tom Ellis) and her inability to resolve her feelings for Mike (Bo Poraj), so she's bought six kittens to cheer herself up. The prospect of her parents renewing their vows and Tilly's surprise boyfriend (an old face from the show) do little to lift Miranda's spirits, so it's time for a big life decision.

This third series, which has turned procrastination into an art form, was given a real boost by the channel switch from BBC2: around 7 million now watch it as opposed to 3 million for the first series. The US-style audience involvement really shouldn't work but does, and the high laugh count over half an hour is, as Tilly would say, "totes amazeballs". No word as RT went to press on a fourth series... but let's just say the door is open.

Why Miranda should write a fourth series...

As the third run of the BBC sitcom comes to a close, Ellie Walker-Arnott has five reasons why Ms Hart should start working on another.

Miranda: episode 6, BBC One, review

Unfortunately, absence of chemistry and Mike's complete lack of charisma made it difficult to invest any emotion in their burgeoning romance, subsequent break-up, and his move to Africa.

On the great question that is dividing the nation - of whether Miranda is funny or not - I think the naysayers need to watch it with an eight-year-old. That's what we do in our house and it makes the whole experience more agreeable, especially Miranda's looks to camera and her falling over routines.

Our older children are quite partial too, as is my wife, and when you have four people entering into the spirit of the thing it is hard not to do the same. I think the trick is to accept it for what it is it: clean, frothy family entertainment that is essentially a pantomime (though none of the supporting actors would cut it in a real pantomime because their gurning, cartoon-like comedy isn't subtle enough).

It's the end of another uniquely bonkers (and hugely enjoyable) series, and Miranda's been in hiding since she blurted out that she's still in love with old flame Gary (Tom Ellis) - the hussy! But when a glamorous new singleton visits her shop and fills her head with tales of foreign climes, Miranda's plans to sell up and seek romance abroad have some delightfully unintended consequences.

Bo Poraj - Why Miranda's new man wanted to be dumped

There are not many actors who enter a popular show as the love interest hoping their romance will fail, but Bo Poraj admits to being one of them.