Good afternoon and it is good to be back, after a short break.
Some children have been on half-term, some are still on half-term and some behave, like mine, as if they are constantly on half-term! Not really, but sometimes it feels that way.
Some parents send their children to private schools because their families always have.
Some wouldn't do it if you broke every pencil in their pencil case because they just think it is politically wrong or they can't afford it.
But we are interested, tonight, in a very thoughtful and interesting group who have tried the state sector and found it not up to muster. Out come the little darlings and off they go to a private school. Big call but lots are doing it. Emma has chalk dust on her gown and says "Pay attention at the back!"
For the well behaved children, meantime, London is full of fabulous treats: Gorilla Kingdom at London Zoo or pop music and snacks at 02 are just two that have made it through to the final of Visit London's New Experience category in their annual awards. We are proudly sponsoring and will invite you to vote.
PSPs, X-Box and Wii are today's must haves for good and bad children: with Christmas getting ominously close, expect notes to be drafted to Santa that, if he is the age I believe him to be, he won't understand! Meantime the games they play on these machines generate as much cash, if not more, as music sales these days. Piers will be tickling the toggles and serving non-existant tennis balls into a non-existent tennis court at 6.
Our guest tonight has done it so many times that I am almost loathe to mention it but The Big Boss insists: Tom Cruise will be in Leicester Square tonight for the premiere of his new movie and I am sure he'll be chatting to Jasmine.
Charlie Chaplin formed United Artists to give actors greater control and freedom over their work. Tom is the subject of a revival at the famous studios so, if he wants to talk to us, no-one can tell him he can't! So I think he will. Mission very possible for Ms Lowson.
Lights, camera action at 6.
Alastair & Katie.
