Four star review

This is just a little bit captivating. Four Of A Kind follows a year in the life of identical quad girls, from their fourth birthday to their fifth. Jessica, Georgie, Ellie and Holly were born against odds of one in 64 million. When their parents heard they were pregnant with four children instead of one they were told there was a 20 per cent chance they would all be born healthy. In fact, they were delivered at seven months due to complications with Jessica and a subsequent emergency caesarian. They are the closest thing to unique in this country by being the same. Yup, these little ladies are the only set of identical quads in the UK, and are quite charming, feisty, bouncey and incredibly bonded.

To be honest, I thought this might be another one of those “struggles as parents” tales. You know, with financial hardship, out of control youngsters who run riot, and brow-beaten parents at the end of their tether reaching for the Prozac. If Supernanny was there she would’ve been stumped.

Capitalising on this unique opportunity are the academics, offering sought-after psychological profiling tests, now that the girls have got to an age where they can vocalise themselves clearly.

“Could it be that the extra gentleness this girl had demanded has led to greater independence?”

Looking at nature versus nuture has never been more interesting, as each girl has her own strengths and one in particular stands away from the others. The first to have her own play date without the others is Jessica, born weighing just one pound compared to the others’ three pounds. In greater distress, growing later, walking later – but now identical to her sisters. Could it be that the extra gentleness she demanded has led to a greater independence?

Their differences are fascinating. Mum Julie even goes to America to meet a family with eighteen-year-old quads to get a glimpse as to what might be in store in the future. It’s really quite fascinating and sweet that she’s a tad overwhelmed by the teenage noise without a blink of awareness regarding how much volume she might already be living with.

This important year of many firsts is engaging, gentle and kind. There were bound to be tantrums when the film crew were there, but there’s hardly sight of them here. It’s not about the difficulties of having lots of kids. We all know that can’t be easy. This is simply sharing the curiosity these darling girls’ parents have about the rarity of their daughters’ relationship, and trying to be the best parents they can.

One American quad offers sage advice in her nasal twang: “Let them be individuals.” For all the fights over the straightening irons and dissing of each others’ wardrobes, all of the Stateside girls pretty much say the same thing to Julie. Their mother, however, offers another thought. “Imagine what it must be like not to be recognised anywhere you go,” she considers. It’s pause for thought. People you went to school with, family members, anyone you know is not sure which one you are and which relationship they have with you. Until you open your mouth. What a celebration of uniqueness amid similarity.

Aired Monday 20 June. Catch it on ITV Player