Good afternoon.
Many years ago, when I was presenting a Sunday programme called The Sunday Programme for GMTV (never very imaginative with their programme titles) I went to talk to a hero of mine.
He was campaigning hard for English, and especially Shakespeare, to be taught with more imagination and energy in our schools. He didn't need to as he was, even then, a terrifically successful actor but it mattered to him so he did. I liked him even more when I left his delightful home in Limehouse. I have seen him many times since at the movies (me in the audience, him on screen of course) and on television. He gets better all the time.
This is a man, however, who described one character he was playing on TV as "a washed up actor, in the twilight of his career" and who has played Widow Twankey in panto - not always a good sign. His latest role, however, is said to the actor's equivalent to climbing Everest without help or oxygen. And most of the critics say he has reached that summit with greater style, strength and glory, than many others who have gone before him.
He and his leading lady are on the show tonight and , whether or not you have guessed who I am describing, my tip is that you will not want to miss him.
Incidentally, if you want a cool, insider tip on the McClaren succession, remember the name Ken Hayes. I'll say no more than that but think second mortgages and World Cup glory in 2010.
Quite separately, but literally laterally, Annie from our forward planning desk is leaving to join Setanta, the sports channel. An act of brutal betrayal from a woman I worship. It is a flight too far.
As, say the good protestors around Heathrow, are Government plans for Heathrow. In fact, several hundred flights too far. And they tell us the consultation about a third runway at London's premier airport is as much a consultation, as teacher asking if you think it might be a good idea to do you home work; or your mother enquiring if you think it might make sense to eat up your greens. Lucy says "chocks away!" and Phil cries "grounded!" because balance is everything in journalism and aviation.
The jury in the murder trial of Anthony Joseph, who killed Richard Whelan because he asked him to stop throwing chips at his girlfriend, had to balance some very difficult evidence. In the end, they couldn't decide and the judge dismissed them. Joseph's plea of manslaughter has caused grave distress in Richard's family. Ronke has been talking to them.
Simon is still in India and has been talking to Mylene Klass who he says is absolutely stunning. She used to go to Mumbai with her family when it was called Bombay. There were slums there then and there are slums there now. Ken has been to take a look and our Transport Commissioner reveals a fascinating side to his life few of us knew about. Simon rings the bell and asks you to stand clear of the doors,at 6.
Romilly is with us tonight, back from Malta and still glowing with the success of her impromptu encounter with the Duke of Edinburgh. She assures me it was all entirely innocent. Why, then, have my friends at the Palace told me there is now a Ms Weeks Suite under construction at the Tower of London? Wrapped in ermine, for now, we'll be there for you at 6.
Alastair & Romilly
