London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon.
We flirted, earlier in the week, with Agent Provocateur, the celebrated manufacturer of ladies lingerie and things. The context then was G20 protests and infiltration: this time it is one of their popular products that prompts an odd but, I hope, appealing connection: suspenders. We have several of them in the programme and most are to be found up Wembley Way. A "suspender" first struck at Hank Roberts' expense. He is the geography teacher who blew the whistle on the bonuses being paid to the Head at Copland Community College which made a Lib Dem's claim for a trouser press look exceedingly modest. The LEA, wisely, took a look at Hank's complaints and now the "suspender" has suspended the Head, his Deputy and the Bursar - school talk for a bean-counting money-man. Finally the "suspender" took a look at the school's budget itself and promptly suspended that. Talk about the twang of firm governance! Lewis dons a mortar board and battles through the cloud of chalk-dust to see where all this will end. Not an apple for the teacher in sight but lots of people in sports jackets with leather elbow patches, standing in the corner it seems.
Old Mother Hubbard, you will recall, went to the cupboard to fetch her poor doggy a bone. But when she got there, the cupboard was bare. This comes to mind as I tell you the latest twist in the 2012 Olympic saga. First Seb and the gang went to the private sector to ask for cash to help build the village. The private sector said "Sorry, Recession. Our corporate cupboard is bare". So Seb and the slightly desperate gang then went to the Government and said "You know that precious contingency reserve we've got for really serious emergencies? Well, we've just had another one". Seb then explained the private sector problem, Ministers said "OK" and another £300m slipped from one column to another and, lo, the village is saved. My point is, come 2010, 2011 (or even the first half of 2012), there is bound to be "something else" that Seb and the now seriously desperate gang are going to ask for, only to find the cupboard as devoid of beer-vouchers as poor old Mother H found her's in pursuit of canine vittals. I so hope they know what they are doing but, in an effort to reassure ourselves and you, we will be asking Tessa "nothing Old Mother Hubbardish about her" Jowell.
Baby Peter might have been spared a terrifying, lonely and savage death had the medical profession delivered. I don't mean coming up with some miracle cure or magic pharmaceutical concoction, nor an act of heroic surgery or even the laying on of curative hands. No, I mean just doing a little extra in their jobs. That is the blunt and awful conclusion of the latest, and probably last, official report into the little chap's tragic demise. Liz takes a deep breath and takes you there.
Many deep breaths required around the newsroom today as the simple yet horrid truth emerged about the death of another little boy. He was having fun at the funfare when it all went fatally wrong. Marcus, a tough old nut at the best of times, is gritting his teeth and dealing with the story as the great journalist that he is but also as the loving dad that he is.
Some light relief is needed - news is a ghastly mistress, sometimes, isn't she? How about a celebration of some of "the few" who flew in the colours of 601 Squadron, The County of London, rebuffing the Luftwaffe and giving Blighty a breath of a chance in the 1940s? Yes, I like that.
And what about the clean-cut, clean living Jonas Brothers - an American pop ensemble who have launched themselves onto the silver screen? They are God fearing fellows, I know, so I am sure their work will be well received or the skies will open and rain, lightning and a plague of frogs will fall upon the critics. Yep, we'll have some of that, too.
Finally, London's papers - my money is on wall to wall funfare disaster - but the Standard might go on the Mayor of Moscow's extravagant expenses claims.
Robin is in hiding... as is our spring-turns-to-summer weather. We'll unearth him before 6.30 for an explanation and a prediction.
Lucy is with me again which I like very much. She seems less unhappy to miss a wander along the red (or blue) carpet tonight than she did, truth to tell, last night. Perhaps Ricky G and Ben Stiller had something over the boys from the Sunday school? Dunno.
Anyway, I will be here and so will she... unless an angel descends from on high and tells her he brings tidings of great joy and that she's off to Leicester Square. Hope not.
See you at 6.

Alastair and Lucy

London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon.
I have an enduring soft-spot for Dagenham.
In the 1980s and 90s, I counted Bryan Gould, the then Labour MP for Dagenham, as a personal friend and find the current MP, Jon Cruddas, an impressive chap.
I even owned a Ford Escort in the days that they were known as Dagenham Dustbins.
So you can imagine how thrilled I was with the "entertainment" when I went to a fabulous birthday party a few weekends ago at Claridges. The birthday boy was one of London's top show-bizz lawyers and the finale was the spectacle of the Dagenham Girl Pipers band marching in and playing "Happy Birthday". He was a fan as was his father before him. Not a dry eye in the house, or the hotel.
And tonight we anticipate Kleenex and red-eyes in sitting rooms across the capital as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Ford plant that provided so much employment for so long and for so many of the fine people in that part of east London. Lots of lovely old pictures too of Cortinas, Consuls, Anglias etc. to bring back the days of black and white "go-faster" stripes, nodding dogs and dangling dice.
Tears for very different reasons in the Gray household tonight, I imagine: eight years ago, Private Geoff Gray died from two gunshot wounds at the Army's Deepcut training barracks. His parents have never been satisfied with official verdicts and today went to the Ministry of Defence to hear the latest and possibly last version, from the Army's perspective, of what happened. Why they didn't like what they saw nor how they were treated will be explained by Ronke who has been chatting to mum and dad Diane and Geoff.
Also not liking what he has seen, read about and been told of is the Prince of Wales. Not snide snap-dragons nor noisy nasturtiums but angry architects. What they want to do with the old Chelsea Barracks clashes with what he wants in a way that would do justice to the best of battles fought over the centuries by the Coldstream Guards who used to be based there. HRH is opening a "second front" at the Royal Institute of British Architects tonight but the men and women with the set-squares and sharp pencils are poised in their salients as I speak. (Well, "write" but "salient" allows me a better alliteration.) Harris, more of a Palledeo man than a Foster fan, methinks, chooses between the Dorics, Ionics and Corinthians to find a handy hiding place from which to eves-drop on this elegant row.
Richard Briers is surely one of our most elegant actors.... apart from in the Good Life when he was a muddy smallholder covered in the stuff one Tory MP claimed rather a lot of money for, for several bag-fulls. He was hosed down and went straight for a while, producing some fine work. But the call of the soil and the temptations of the allotment proved too strong. But why would the international jet-set take his latest adventures amiss? Phil, our very own Monty Don, dons wellies to discover.
The lovely Lucy is with me for a second evening. "Hurrah", I say. "Hurrah" says Nick, even louder I fancy, because her being with me means he can be on the Red Carpet in Leicester Square. "Night At The Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian" is the clunky title of the second episode from this new Hollywood franchise. Never saw the first one so I am poised to learn. Ricky Gervais, I am told, and Steve Coogan make appearances: whether this is to do with the "museum" bit of the title or the "battle" bit I don't know but they are both fighters and have both been around a while. Nick will enlighten us, no doubt. The Smithsonian, incidently, is Washington DC's equivalent of our Cromwell Road based Victorian collection halls, (V&A, Science Museum etc) but without the busy traffic or elegant architecture.
Robin has worrying tidings on the weather front and refuses to step outside in case it is misunderstood as an invitation to fight. Take what comes, I say, and take it like a man.
The papers - the Evening Standard was free last night at Waterloo: how worried are they??? - will be there in front-page-competition for your clarification or, if they are all the same, confirmation.
And that, I think, is that. There are some other bits of "news" on the back-burner but I am not sure which will "set" or "rise" to perfection first so you'll have to be there to know.
See you at 6.

Alastair & Lucy.

Weather blog

Good evening,

My neighbour, Joan, was delighted with yesterday's weather. Monday is wash day in her house & she was able to do "four full loads & get them all breeze dried before teatime".

Having worked over the weekend I had the day off & decided to tackle the garden which is a riot of apple, cherry & lilac blossom. Riot is a carefully chosen word given that much of the blossom was travelling horizontally in the strong easterly winds, with the net result that the trees are now looking rather denuded. I can't in all honesty claim that my efforts at gardening have improved things greatly either....

The weather's pretty shabby for the next few days; cloud & rain being the staple ingredients. So if, like Joan, you like to 'peg out' I'm afraid you've missed your chance.

ITV London bulletins, however, will be unaffected weather conditions so I hope we'll see you later.

Robin.

London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon, and isn't it?
I have just been outside to enjoy the lovely afternoon sun and can report that last week's trench is now fully filled in, leaving some fresh tarmac scars, a lot of dust and very neatly repainted yellow lines reminding motorists they may not park there. Apart from motorcyclists who have their own little "Motor-cycles Only" bay, undisturbed by the trench but now flanked with fresh yellow lines that stop, abruptly, at the bay's edges. Sitting there, legally, is an old scooter with a little "Jam Buster" sticker beneath the number plate. In a reverse of Orwell's "Animal Farm" dictum of Two Legs Bad Four Legs Good, we live in a city where, for a long time, it has been Two Wheels Good Four Wheels Bad. Like a corner square in Monopoly, "Free-parking" was the order of the day for the bikes but, in Westminster, no more. And the Mods, Rockers and, for all I know, the Secretary of State for Communities who rides a Harley, aren't happy bunnies. Or bikers. Glen dons his leathers and skid-lid to explain all among the protesting greasers.
Whether or not all the protestors are the genuine article may prove tough to tell. The Met have their own squadrons of elegant masters of the beautiful BMW and the huge Honda. They chase speeders, act as out-riders to resident and visiting dignitaries and generally roar around town looking cool. But if the G20 protests are anything to go by, some of them may have left their law-enforcement leathers at home and donned jeans, Hell's Angels T- shirts and who knows what to blend in with the protestors. That is the allegation coming from some of the G20 lot and they have got a hearing, and not a little sympathy, from Tom Brake MP. When it was suggested at the meeting that this might make them "Agents Provocateur" a slightly risque conversation ensued involving stockings, suspender belts, footballers, my share-portfolio and whether or not the lovely Lizzie, our news editor, and the equally lovely Lucy, with whom I am lucky enough to be presenting tonight, would be able to concentrate. Friends, I fear the lack of concentration for predictably puerile reasons would have been elsewhere. Marcus rises above this youthful exuberance and delves into the allegations of mutton dressed up as lamb in the policing of public order in our great city.
There was a distinct lack or public order in Tower Bridge this afternoon when all hell broke out because a lift fell ten feet in a scene one can imagine doing justice to a Hollywood block-buster or, I fear to report, bone-buster. Ten people were on board and six had nearby hospitals added to their tourist itineraries. Seriously frightening stuff. Harris, who has been known to whistle "Miss Otis Regrets" (Google Otis and lift) will be saying "Ground floor: casualty and A & E" as he reports on the plight of these poor souls.
Bones were broken but life, thank goodness, wasn't lost. Such fortune did not befall the heroes on the Greatest Race ever raced in cinema - the chariot charge in Ben Hur. Flogging your opponent, mid-race, would nowadays certainly mean a hearing before the Jockey Club for "Inappropriate Use of the Whip". But forcing jagged wheel trims into your opponents spokes, only for said opponent to fall beneath what remained of the chariot as it scorched its way across the blood-stained sand, is fatally short of cricket. Yuk. So, having enjoyed Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones in recent months at O2, I am intrigued to learn how a re-enactment of said carnage under the protection of the former Dome will look, sound and even smell. Julie will tell us and you may need a strong stomach for this one.
I think Phil probably needed that attribute too went he went underground for you, to see the completed London orbital water-system. It may be modern but large volumes of water, underground, have always worried me.... unlike rats, amoeba and other aquatic life-forms. I know: sieves, treatment plants, boiling and the rest of it but I remain cautious. W.C. Fields made a powerful argument against drinking water with which I do not agree nor will I sully these pages by repeating (Google if you dare!) but I retain my more modest reservations. So, Phil - rubber gloves, wellies and lots of soap - is your guide.
The People's Millions doesn't have long to run so tune in to learn details of how to join the queue of the deserving - £50 k the ceiling but lots of it to go to London's best good causes.
Lucy, celebrated for the loveliest giggle on British TV, is giggling into the phone as I write. No, she has now leapt to her feet and is rushing to talk to one of our producers. I am secretly giggling with pleasure at the prospect of working with her again. But you never know who else might drop by, such is her professional circle of friends and contacts. Perhaps Michelle Pfeiffer to apologise for getting my first name wrong last week? A weekend of bleak introspection followed, I can assure you, after she referred to me as "Alan".
I will write a large cheque to persuade Chrissie to persuade "The Gods" to keep this weather fine. But she is talking of Horse Guards Parade, Trooping the Colour and abseiling. I am confused but I am assured it will be brilliant and not distract from an accurate forecast.
The papers - wonder what you'll make of the new look Standard? - and that's about it but as I proof read these ramblings I can think of little that out-does it, between 6 and 6.30.
Lucy, leather-clad-bikers, under-cover agents, Agent Provocateur, miles of pipes to ponder, and millions of pounds to give away - enough for everyone I'd have thought. If not, on yer bike - but we'll be here!
Alastair and Lucy.

London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon.
Among the pantheon of great journalists in the canon of English literature, two tower above most: George Orwell and Charles Dickens. I don't think "1984" or "Animal Farm" would make great musicals, though there are a few laughs in Orwell's "Keep the Aspidestra Flying". But Dickens' "Oliver Twist" begat "Oliver!", to lasting success. It is, in truth, a bleak morality piece with an uplifting finale of family love. At its dark, throbbing heart is a gang of young criminals who, in modern times, would have been held up as frightening examples of abuse and neglect; but in the musical they are an "artful" band of "dodgers" who sing and dance their thieving way through London's streets. They are all boys. Today we have a troubling example of a C21st Fagin who frightened a posse of young girls into mounting a lucrative campaign of pick-pocketing on the London Underground. Phil reports on the devastating scale of their "got to pick a pocket or two" antics and what befell their svengali.
I love horses and so do my children. They are lucky enough to have their own and lavish TLC on them without too much prompting. Though big, they are creatures with warm, winning eyes, a controlled power which respects the presence of smaller creatures and a curious ability to reciprocate affection despite their relative size compared to the young, human recipients of that affection. To read of the uncaring cruelty visited by the Gray family upon their collection filled me with sadness and disbelief. The RSPCA, as they often do, came to the rescue and the Courts are poised to do the right thing, too. Glen, a fine reporter who, in another life, might well have made an equally fine jockey, saddles up and rides off into the sunset - well, to Amersham actually.
That will take him north from here: just as well he isn't heading south, towards Sidcup, given he might just fall off his steed and be in need of A&E. It is a service that is to be lost from Queen Mary's Hospital in that fine borough. And, God forbid that he should have a sex change and fall pregnant - maternity being downgraded too! The planners say, as planners always do, that it'll be alright, and good, and even better; the locals say not if you have a stroke, heart-attack or go into labour. Lewis, our healthiest young reporter (no risks here!) is on his way with a blue light on his handsome head to discover who is right in this clash of the claims.
Our dear American Cousins are in Perugia with the latest on the Meredith Kercher case - DNA is said to link Amanda Knox to the killing of Meredith. Our hope is that technology will link us to the Cousins: fingers crossed.
Fingers, arms, legs and anything else that "crosses" if you play your cricket against Thames Ditton. A man with a past has joined them and we will reveal him at 6 - as he whacks all opponents' hopes to the boundary without them touching the ground! Marcus is all in white, with his trousers held up with his old school tie.
At risk of offending Marcus, and every other Gooner, plus my son Oscar, and every other Blues fan, I will say that we are previewing a Battle of the Giant LOSERS of the Beautiful Game. Who needs the Champions League when runner-up status is at stake in the Premiership? This doesn't get any better, does it? I'll stop and move on.
Films - can't bear Star Trek - but quite like the sound of the "fantasy horror animation" as described by the New Boss. But what will James make of "Coraline" and the Trek offering? Don't boldly go to the channel changer and you'll find out at 6.
What Not to Miss is not to be missed; some debate about where to put Robin - the roof beckons but who knows: not him, yet!
The papers are full of second homes, Jaffa Cakes, horse manure and MPs.
And Faye, (black suit, silver pendant, smart shoes and the biggest belly I have ever seen for one so lovely and normally so size 8-ish) has popped in to say Hi. That's nice but I think next time there will be two of them - or three if hubby comes to celebrate too - and I think it will be soon.
The Oz is in make-up, not that she needs much. She is going to see a girl-friend in her first-ever flat-racing race at the weekend which I envy, in so many ways. Perhaps I'll just have a fiver on the outcome.
Gosh, is it that time? People are talking to Faye about towels and hot-water, hospitals and birthing pools. Odd that. But not as odd as the letter that arrived from the Post Office Press Office, containing some really beautiful new stamps celebrating Henry V111's 500 years. They forgot to pay the postage! And the Government expects to sell it off to the Dutch? They must be mad.
See you at 6, unless I am sent to you recorded delivery in which case, see you Monday.
Alastair and Alex

London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon.
There are men digging a trench outside our building. They are burying green tubes but claim they are "laying cables". I am suspicious because they have virtually completed this clandestine activity in a couple of days. Were it water or some other vital utility, it would have taken weeks; or they would have started and just walked away, mysteriously. What are the cables really for? What will be running through those green pipes? I only ask because I am a suspicious person, at heart. Were the pipes blue, it would be clearer - they would be proper conduits for the stream of expletives and venom which flowed from the mouths of Hiddink's babes after their brutal, questionable, dubious and badly refereed departure from the Champions League last night. If you are a Barca fan then welcome to our great city, and goodbye; but if you are Norwegian, then I'd get back to the land of the fjords asap if I were you and you might be advised to take the myopic whistle blower with you. Actually, he had to be smuggled out pdq - perhaps the pipes were laid in preparation for his "runner" - surely he planned to ensure ManU met a team other than another English one some moons since? I am told it felt that way. We're completely impartial observers here, of course. Glen, even more impartial in these matters perhaps, and, I suspect, not averse to Scandinavian culture, is down Stamford Bridge way to pick up the pieces.
There were not too many pieces of the Bismark left to pick up after Rodney and George V had done their duty to King and country. They were not the character from "Only Fools and Horses" and the Queen's grandfather but a pair of fine battleships of the line. But putting Bismark in a condition to be dispatched Davy Jones' way were the pilots and observers of a squadron of Swordfish aircraft, the pride of the Fleet Air Arm. That great organisation celebrates it's centenary on the Thames at Greenwich. Chocks away with Bomber Harris, on loan from the RAF, for the duration.
The duration of Samantha Orobator's stay in Laos may be a touch shorter than she had feared - at one stage it looked as if it might have been tragically permanent as she faced the prospect of "justice" by firing squad for having an obscene amount of heroin tucked between her night-dress and wash-bag when stopped at the departure gate. HM Government seem to have done a deal and a lawyer is being allowed to see her. Martin Geissler, one of ITV News' finest foreign correspondents, is there and has the latest as Liz wraps up the comings and going in the diplomatic world.
There was a time when a ransom might have been asked for and paid - but any such claims upon the Peoples Millions would, I fear, be judged inappropriate. Other better causes however are welcome to pitch for the pounds and the "how to do it" bit comes mid-way through the show.
Then the bit I am entirely schizophrenic about. I have always adored Michelle Pfeiffer (I thought of fjords as I typed that - the spelling rather than the view, I suppose). The Fabulous baker Boys would be on my Desert Island list or, failing the whole movie, the bit on top of the piano.... Anyway, she is in town to promote her latest offering. My interests are known and my interviewing skills, normally not in doubt. The Oz likes Hugh Jackman and got to interview him. I like Michelle but the Oz goes there too. I am down, as down as those wretched pipes, sinking beneath a surfeit of concrete and clay as I write. Anyway, the "Oz meets Michelle" is also on the show. I'll be the bloke on the left, looking the other way.
Phil, after the lions, should have known better. There's a story in the running order called Animal Man. It features a "man", plus leopards, lions, snakes, iguanas and sloths -- who may be "slow" but have awfully long claws. If he survives, he'll be with us. If not, look out for a black tie and a letter of apology to Mrs B. who is still getting over his dalliance with the Chelsea Pensionerettes, I am told.
Chrissie is worried about tomorrow but slightly more optimistic about the weekend; the papers are awash with tear jerking tales but share we must, and share we will.
I'm off to check on the progress of the pipe-men and expect the Pfeiffer bit to have been deleted by the beautiful but defensive Oz by my return. I will trust the New Boss and see if it is misplaced or rewarded.
See you at 6.
Alastair, who can't be trusted with American actresses, and the Oz, who can .... with all men and women of the silver screen.

London Tonight Tonight

Hi,

I'm starting to think there's a conspiracy here - not sure what the purpose of it is but the evidence of it is in the form of chocolate. Bags of it! Yesterday Al magically produced a box of celebrations (well, he probably sent some little person to get them for him..but magic all the same). Then, he proceeded to judge us all by what we chose and how many we ate. Proudly announcing to Chrissie before the weather that I'd eaten 9! Lies, lies and more lies - it was probably more like 5 but that's not the point.

I've lost the point - and clearly the plot. It was all very nerve-wracking last night during the show - with a zillion chocolate calories rushing round my system and the crew from X-Factor filming us (apparently we're going to be on X-Factor - that's far too exciting!!) So, I'm trying to steer clear of Ronke's chocolates today - not that I think she's trying to sabotage my mind or body (I do a good job of that all on my own truth be told). But because I'm trying to concentrate!!

I've just heard a brainteaser - what do Jade Goody, I-Carly, Paris Hilton and Steve Bunce all have in common....? Stay tuned til the end for the answer...

For now though - I'm still trying to concentrate. I've just told Al I'm blogging - he looks confused and a little put out so I'd better make it good - he should be fine - I've pointed him in direction of chocolate bag.

Serious stuff now...

It sounds a bit like Second Life - no, not another brainteaser - it's part of a community centre in south London. The council's spent a bucket load on this place which on the one hand did cost loads - but on the other hand does sound like it's money well spent. This centre's got a computer generated high street - which we're sending Glen down - where kids (and Glen) will encounter drug dealers and the like and be given ways of dealing with scary situations like that in real life. Sounds good - but some schools aren't too happy though 'cos they want to take kids there but it still costs. Glen will have all the info.

Then - another way to stay safe - get a cop to walk you home. Never going to happen, right? Well, it is happening for real in east London - where signs have gone up outside banks offering police escorts for people worried about getting home. Now those are cops you can bank on...get it?! Oh dear.

Now, we've got the latest from Laos where confusion seems to be the operative word. Samantha Orobator's still in jail and facing a death sentence accused of drug smuggling. But some officials are saying she wouldn't face the firing squad as she's pregnant. Martin Geissler's in Laos so will be able to tell us exactly what's going on.

We've also just heard about the sad death of Max Mosley's son. The F1 boss has had a terrible year - finding himself at the centre of a scandal and nearly losing his job. Police say his son Alexander was found dead in west London at home - but they don't think there's anything suspicious about how he died. Ben Scotchbrook will be there to tell us more.

Well, after Arsenal failed to deliver in last night's Champion's League semi - I think "they got stuffed" was Al's observation. And from a self-confessed football non-enthusiast - that's saying something. They were indeed stuffed - 3-1 - putting an end to hopes of an all London final. But Chelsea are still in it - they're facing Barcelona tonight - so we're shifting hopes to them on behalf of London. (Not sure you'll all agree but we have to be patriotic on behalf of the Capital - No?)

Then - the BEST thing on tonight's show - so I'm reliably informed by Neil, Lizzie and Al - is Chris De Burgh delivering his giant easter egg to the cricketers. Now, if that doesn't sound surreal I don't know what does.

Not sure how he managed to snaffle back that egg - I was still in the process of coming up with a way of sneaking a bit - ok the whole thing...!

Oh well - see the egg, cricketers, Chris and all the rest at 6.

Alex & Alastair.

ps. Answer to the brainteaser - they've all been nominated for the Broadcast Digital Award for Programme Launch.. Steve Bunce's Boxing Hour is on Setanta Sports News - so huge congrats to them (much bias from me clearly) for that along with nominations for Best Sports Service and Channel Launch - fingers crossed.

London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon.
Max, our genius entertainment editor, was the first to swoop when I announced I had just purchased a large box of chocolates to lift collective spirits, post the Bank Holiday break. What he and the rest of the collective didn't grasp was that it was my version of the X-Factor auditions. How bold they were, which hand they used, what language they spoke in and which sweetie they took. Hannah, who is Welsh, came over nearly last, very quietly and said, in good English, "Can I have a sweetie?" Why did she choose a Malteser, I wondered? "Because they are light," she responded with a winning smile. This is a confectionery-lifter of Eistedfodd standards. I can see her winning over Ant, Dec, Simon, the girl who used to be in that game-park drama and old motormouth, himself, Southend Piers. Her future, if not her waist-line, is secure.
Max, meanwhile, who was first, was so becuse he has secured us a glimpse at the real X-Factor auditions down O2 way. The New Boss (as in a Hampshire village, you have to have been round for ages before you cease being the "new" anything) wasn't sure if there were many "weirdos" and he thought there may even have been some men and women of genuine merit. Lucy, for whom I am saving a Malteser, will return with her material and if anyone can get "weirdos" AND men and women of real merit, it is her - for she is a woman of endless merit and talent and not a molecule of "weirdness" about her.
The Oz, who was on the phone, has finally struck - she is going through them all but has settled on ..... a Malteser! These woman. I am now on my nineth mini-Mars Bar.
I do not know if chocolate offers any protection against swine 'flu. It seems to me that a national campaign that involves TV ads and a letter through the post to everyone is a good start... if you have shares in ITV or hope to give the Post Office a boost on the way to partial privatisation. I also find a drug called TAMIFLU difficult to take too seriously. It should be called something serious like Relenza which is another anti-flu drug but sounds like it means it. Wasn't "Tami" a character "in love" played by Debbie Reynolds? We continue to fret about swine flu, quite rightly, as it might get very serious but with 27 cases in a population of a little over 50,000,000,000 I think we remain on the side of the hopeful, for now.
Harris, nevertheless, is on the case and has found three schools and three nurseries that either have cases or are guarding against them. There are official expressions of concern about the reactions but, among parents and pupils, some relief.... apart from those who have had to have their public examinations rejigged. If you've peaked, you're going to be down; if you'd quite forgotten about GCSE French oral, you live to fight another day.
The Oz is now on sweetie two - a Galaxy the size of a postage stamp. That's her calorie limit for at least an hour. Unlike the child Liz chanced upon who is only 16 months old but needs 3000 calories a day to maintain her body weight. She only weighs 17 lbs. The Oz says she is "ickle" which is either a misspelling of one of the results of winter precipitation or an Australian expression of affection toward the small among us.
Andy Townsend is not small - he is a giant among those who both know and care about football - the Oz is like that too whereas I am weak on both fronts. Thank God for the Oz and Andy who will share with you, and me, the second leg prospects of the great Gunners against the fearsome Reds in tonight's continental clash for European honours.
The total value of the 22 players on the pitch tonight is probably not far short of half a billion pounds. A little more than half of that is what was spent making London's railway stations safe and accessible for the disabled and three out of four still aren't. Nick has the sad statistical indictment and has been talking to some for whom it really is a matter of life and death.
There is even more including weather, whether you want it or not, and papers which will not be used to cover up any cracks in the above. You thoughts on swine flu will also be most welcome unless they are contagious.
See you at 6 by which time the sweeties will have all gone and I may find standing up a challenge. The Oz is licking her fingers. Did she sneak a third when I wasn't looking? I muse, I merely muse.
At six, then.
Alastair and Alex.

What Not To Miss

Here are the events featured on this week's What Not To Miss:


Vaisakhi On the Square
Canalway Cavalcade
Henry VIII's May Day Celebration

London Tonight Tonight

Hi,

The sun's shining - two people got stuck in the ITN revolving doors - I giggled like a school girl - Jon Snow saved them - there are swine flu notices in the bathroom reminding us to wash our hands (Big Boss says he must have missed something about how it's transferred) all very confusing - I'm sneezing, snorting and saying swine flu but Al's ignoring me. It's definitely Friday.

It's not just Friday - it's also the start of the bank holiday weekend - and not just any bank holiday weekend - but a sunny one. Robin says so - well, he kind of said so through gritted teeth - but I'm going with it. Even though I said I'd work on Monday - being sure it would not be sunbathing weather. My flat mate is doing just that at home - lucky redundant/job hunting person! I shall be joining her in our garden tomorrow though if Robin's telling the truth - if not I might lock him up on the roof where he's heading later to stand outside and deliver weather prediction - as if to prove a point.

That's what we can look forward to at the end of the show anyway. At the start we've got the story of a south London girl who's in prison in Laos and may face the firing squad after being caught with heroin on her. She says she was forced to carry it by someone else. She's now also pregnant - which is strange considering she's in an all female prison. We're talking to her friends and to an Aussie woman who's been in the jail there too.

Then we've the latest on swine flu. We're being bombarded with news about the disease because of cases being confirmed all over the world. But we're told that London's prepared and if it starts to spread we have the right drugs. Marcus is checking on that as we hear some businesses are buying in stocks of Tamiflu (the drug to treat swine flu) which could mean people who need it now might not be able to get hold of it.

Jamie Oliver kick started it - now we could be seeing the benefits. Newham's school kids are going to get healthy dinners - and they're not just healthy - they're also going to be free! Emma Walden's going to see just what's being dished up - and if the parents are happy about it...?? Remember the Mum's passing chips and burgers through the fences to their little (ish) ones..? She'll be on the look out for those I imagine..

We're also catching up with those squatters who'd found themselves a lovely home on Raven's Ait - looks like they've been voted off the island.

And we're checking in with the lovely James King - he's going to present a feast for the eyes in the shape of Hugh Jackman - all muscle bound and shirtless as Wolverine in his new movie - it's definitely a good Friday - and then Hannah Montana - little Miley Cyrus (makes me feel v old!) in her latest teen flick.

And if you heard what sounded like a lot of cats being strangled in Trafalgar Square last night you'll know all about this. It was part of a new viral ad campaign - you remember the one with everyone dancing at Liverpool Street - the same company - it's T-mobile obviously...don't know why I feel like I can't say it !! Anyway, they've done another one - it's of a whole load of people doing mass karaoke. Sound like an assault on the ears to me - Lucy went to find out and she also ran into Pink - who can clearly sing. She's also quite intimidating. Poor Lucy thought this might be an act and she would end her interview by saying - I thought you were going to be scary but you're not - she dropped that line after finding out in truth Pink really is quite scary.

Can't wait to see it.

Watch with me and Al at 6.

Alex & Alastair.

ps - We're also just getting news of a shooting outside Wandsworth Prison - and some disturbing details about Baby P's step-father which have just been released in court. We'll have details on those stories for you too.

Robin's Weather Blog

Good evening,

At the risk of morphing into Bill Oddie & suffering a huge identity crisis I thought I'd share with you the news that on Wednesday I heard a cockoo, a sure sign of Spring (as if we needed another one). I can also boast having heard, for the first time in my life, a nightingale. It really is beautiful but if I'm honest there's something a little unsettling about hearing birdsong -however magical- at 11 o'clock at night. I've read that it's International Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday but I'm not sure, even with my new found enthusiasm for all things ornithological, that I will be bounding out of bed at 4am to witness the wake-up call. If I change my mind, however, at least the reasonably fine weather which is on the menu for the next fwew days will take the edge off the horror of a pre-dawn start.

We're doing well in the South East; mainly dry & fine so get out there & enjoy it if you can, but not before you've tuned in to the show....

See you later,

Robin.

London Tonight Tonight

Afternoon,

Swine flu is here - and it's all anyone's talking about. I've lost count of the number of times people outside work have asked me what I know about the disease and how serious it really is. On theirs and your behalf we're speaking to the experts and keeping an eye on what the latest information is.

I started this week giggling at pig jokes and sound effects - but am now - like the rest of you I'm sure - not really seeing the funny side any more.

Seeing the government ad this morning (which you'll see a bit of on the show if you haven't seen it already) telling you to avoid spraying your sneeze germs in public - makes the threat of us catching and spreading it even more real.

It is really worrying - especially as it feels like hayfever season's upon us - cue lots of sneezing and lots of worried glances from fellow commuters! The big boss has already had some of these looks and says he can't be held responsible for his actions if he sees someone wearing a face mask on the train. But would that be an over-reaction? - the face mask that is, not his reaction to the mask wearer..obviously..

Piers is on Swine Flu alert today and will tell us the latest - with two more cases in London confirmed as I write this - and the latest advice for all of us avoiding sneezing people across the capital.

Ben's yelling at the television - a little girl who's the youngest member of Mensa is on - and she's on our show later too. I think she's gorgeous and clearly very bright - she picked the odd one out in a picture of 3 oranges and a banana, can name an isosceles triangle (I've just had to spell check that!! - say no more..) but she didn't manage to name the scalene one when Ben did..so we can be fairly sure he's smarter than a 2-year old. But I still reckon she's super cute. She knows the capital of Indonesia too! David's going to be introducing you to her later - I have a feeling you'll be on my side of the cuteness debate - whether she's a genius or not!

I've been told - in quite a stern fashion by Neil - that despite my pleas she's not coming in tonight - but Su Pollard is. Hi Di Hi wasn't really on my radar but the new musical Shout! is. Well, in truth, my Mum requested I take her next time she visits - it was Priscilla last time which she loved. So Su's going to tell us all about the 60's show - and about turning 60. Now, this is a line of questioning Ben is determined to go down - I'm not sure any woman wants to talk about her age after 21 - but Ben reckons she won't be offended...we'll see shall we....

Before all that we're marking the 10-year anniversary of the Soho bombing. 3 people died in the blast at The Admiral Duncan and dozens more were injured. Emma Walden's gone to meet family and friends as they mark the day.

There's also more fallout from the G20 protests. An officer's had to quit after he wrote something on his Facebook page which was apparently about Ian Tomlinson's death - and Boris has been heckled at a Met meeting today as he tried to defend the cops. Marcus is there to tell us just what went on.

Then, don't miss Phil's return to the lion's den. We're prepared for another mauling - I hope health and safety have been warned...

See you then,

Alex & Ben.

London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon and we are so sorry for the delay - the Oz has been involved in a big rehearsal and I have been involved with the former MP for Finchley who came to power 30 years ago on Friday. Excuses, excuses.
Tonight, how prepared is London for Swine 'flu? We have one case but millions of worried folk. Our aim is to report and put nerves at ease.
Also, how prepared are London's youngsters to be "screened" for knives on their way to school? Waltham Forest are doing it in all their secondary schools. This could catch on but is it right?
How prepared are Imogin Appiah's buddies to be brave and help her in her quest for a bone-marrow transfusion? And their mums and dads? The answer will raise your spirits and may save Imogin's life.
How ready are London's "brick and bum-crack" brigade to build the Olympic stadia? Not quite enough, it seems, so it's back to school for them. I expect lots of shovels and trowels to show up on the scanners!
How do you rate the Gunners' chances against ManU and what about the prospects of an all-London final in the Champions League? After last night's nail-biter in Barcelona, all eyes swivel to Old Trafford. I feel good about it. Do you?
How old must Michael Caine be before he retires? It was going to be 70-ish but then along came the Budget, 50% tax and a great part as a magician. Lucy sees if the old roots are still growing deep. Lucy Cotter - a genius - not a lot of people used to know that. Now they do!
Finally how fair's the weather and London's papers? I don't know but we both will by 6.30.
It's short and sharp, like some of those knives in Waltham Forest.
It's to the point as will Arsenal's strikers be tonight.
And it is brief. As I doubt Michael Caine will be.
But it's all there, as is he.
See us at six or be prepared for our sadness.
Alastair and Alex.

London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon.
An old friend of mine, the late former Speaker of the House of Commons Jack Wetherill told a lovely story at the expense of American tourists. When showing some of them an original of the Magna Carta in his rooms, they'd asked when it was signed. "1215", he correctly replied. "Gee", said one, looking at his watch. "Just missed it!". It was a little after one o'clock. Americans love the House of Commons and are convinced Big Ben is the clock tower and not the bell. They also love the Globe, brilliant and accurate representation that it is of Shakespeare's Tudor south bank theatre. Say Deptford to most and they'd glaze over. Say it's where the author of "Doctor Faustus" and "Tamburlaine" was brutally murdered with a drunken stab above the eye and their eyes, too, would cloud over, as must the eyes of the author of those fine pieces as the blood dripped from his fatal wound. Christopher Marlowe was a gem of a playwright, his life cut short in a bar-room brawl. Others say he was assassinated for spying but I prefer the Pewter Plot to the Espionage Saga. Anyway, all that Deptfordian ignorance is about to change at least among the newspaper reading public in the US because no less an organ than the New York Times has proclaimed Deptford "cool" and "hip". Batten down the hatches and prepare for Bermuda shorts, burgers and big camera lenses as The Cousins sweep East across the Pond. Phil who, like me, thinks we should have resisted a little more in 1776, has our account.
Accounts remain unsettled as far as the relatives of the victims of 7.7 are concerned. Yes, the immediate perpetrators were killed by their own hands, along with 52 innocent men and women. But who helped them and where are they? The authorities thought they'd netted three but a jury disagreed, although it was deeply suspicious about aspects of their travel plans and hobbies. Marcus, as focused as the Gunners attack line, has been deployed and has court verdicts and some of the anger of one of the survivors.
An odd clash also sits in our running order. Our poll, that shows most of you still trust the Met, and next to it, details of the latest youngster, murdered in cold blood. A third of you don't trust the Boys and Girls In Blue - I wonder if that includes the family of the dead boy and/or the scum who did it? Lewis treads a delicate line which, when I last looked, wasn't blue but could have been.
Staying firmly on the right side of the line is the amazing Doreen Lawrence who went through it all, and more, with the murder of her son Stephen more than a decade ago. She is still pushing hard for a better world and told the MPs on the Home Affairs Select Committee what still needed doing. She is a tornado for good, that woman, and she blows your way at 6.
Where Glen will be at 6, I am less clear. As told to me in The Meeting, he was "down a hole" but should hurry back to us "like a rabbit".
Now I am somewhere between Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" and the Channel Tunnel on this one. It has something to with luggage. I hope, if he has gone missing, that he has some sandwiches and a bottle of water in his. I suppose we will all find out together before 6.30. Maybe he is in Deptford, attracting Americans?
He could be in Barcelona having spun several yards of line to the Boss. Don't know where his footy affections lie, to be frank. But something big is going down in the beautiful Iberian City tonight in the world of "twenty two men kicking an inflated leather sphere at an area defined by three struts of wood and as much netting as you need to catch a lobster supper". Andy Townsend will make sense of it for you and me. The Oz is more than clear on these matters and I enjoy the warm glow of her knowledge and assuredness in all matters sporting.
We will both enjoy the warm glow of little Imogin Appiah's friends who are giving their all to find a bone-marrow donor for their buddy. This is a life and death one and we've more on it tomorrow, too.
We will also have more of the weather tomorrow but more of what, specifically, I don't know. Cue Robin, the Matisse of Meteorology.
Papers if the machinery doesn't start chewing things up again and that is about it.
The Oz has purchased coffee and nuts. There's something wrong with the coffee so we'll either be with you at 6, in Court or in Hospital. My money is on the former as we are both made of sturdy stuff but who knows.
The nuts seem both fine and appropriate.
Til then, then..
Alastair and Alex

London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon.
Professor Stephen Hawking thinks that what really distinguishes us from other animals is our ability to talk. Others, particularly of a religious persuasion, would argue it is choice - or "free-will". I think it's clothes. But, tonight, we focus on a different paradigm of distinction - the ability to talk AND make a choice - marvellous example of dialectical analysis - thesis, antithesis, synthesis!
We, with our good friends at YouGov, have asked Lononers to express their views on Bozza, up to now; and who, come the day, should inherit his blonde mantle should it be decided by the electorate that it should slip from his tousled pate.
Oddly, they, which is actually you, think he's doing well on two things I wouldn't have given him a marshmellow's chance in a Guy Fawkes bonfire of; but, hey, that's the joy of asking AND listening. And one of the things in which you think he is as much use as a seventh stump at a cricket match was something I thought he was thriving at. I love a good mix of free-expression and being put in my place. As for the Derby which will be the great Mayoral stakes, come May 2012, there's one person who could say "You're Fired!" to Bozza with all the authority of a majority of the London electorate. And our poll suggests that anyone who knows the line that comes after "The worker's flag is deepest red" might as well apply to be a replacement for Ronaldo. Harris will reveal all and we'll ask for a little more from you on why that is how you feel or, at least, how the sample sephologists say can speak on your behalf feel.
The Tamils have moved on, which is good news for those passing through or around Parliament Square but bad news for the Indian High Commission which is, this very afternoon, boosting the business of several glaziers to a significant degree.
Still on an international theme, we hear more about Marnie Pearce who was convicted of adultery in the United Arab Emirates, best known to most of us as the home of Dubai or, for those of you who were at school when most of the Atlas was pink, as one of those countries with very straight-line borders. That's because they were designed in a small room in the Foreign Office by a man with a pencil, a ruler and no grasp at all of the cultural, historic or religious aspirations of those whose oil wealth was all that mattered in those days. Marnie is now free but is staying because her kids aren't. It is an amazing story, safe in the hands of Ronke.
Alfie Liverpool was shot dead two years ago but his killers have not been released because they have never been caught, let alone convicted, sentenced and sent down. It is unbearable for his mum who tells Lewis she knows someone knows. What she doesn't know is why they are staying schtum, a year on.
In committing ourselves to give "the oxygen of publicity" to her campaign, I am reminded we have a special guest tonight who has made many records and sold millions of them. Alas, 'Oxygen' is the only one I could recall until I met him. It was a couple of days ago but tonight we are unleashing the phenomenon that is Jean Michel Jarre upon you. He is handsome, articulate and genuinely interesting. Je ponse. J'espere.
Finally, Johnny Vaughan and Lisa Snowdon have booked their places at the Emirates Stadium come June. Nothing, absolutely nothing at all, to do with the previous Emirates story. Nor, absolutely, is Johnny seeking to replace Cesc Fabregas. Lisa, on the other hand, may fancy her chances at putting that lovely lass selling programmes by the south stand out of work but I don't know for sure. Lisa is very tall and could certainly have a fine view of potential customers. Anyway, they explain to Lucy why they are going to be at the still relatively new home of the Gunners as they unveil a brand new home for one of their most fun things. I think I'll park it there.
Suffice to say it is too wet to let Robin out though I said at The Meeting that I thought it would be reasonable punishment for his turning the glory of the weekend into this lot. KD has cake and is speaking to him as I write. Is this bribery or is it her lovely character prevailing in forgiveness?
The papers are damp and squashy at the edges but I've no doubt your e-mails will be crisp and to the point.
I am poised to distract KD and seize that final morsel of cake.
Caked-up or castigated, I'll see you at six, in glorious company.
Alastair and Katie

Weather blog

Good evening,

The weather's turned & so have we.

Gone are the happy faces & cheery greetings. No more 'Turned out nice again, hasn't it?' or 'Isn't it warm?' but instead we are all now making do with a curt nod or a barely audible grunt.

We're even walking differently; heads down & shoulders up against the wind & rain. Scurrying rather than strolling.

Spring can do this. Seducing us with sunshine & a balmy breeze one moment & then slapping us around the kisser with wind & rain the next. It's worth remembering on days like today that the weather here can be glorious. It already has been & will be again & in the meantime we have to stay strong.

Onwards & upwards my friends.

See you later.

Robin.

London Tonight Tonight

Afternoon,

Quick question..Could it BE any nicer outside!!??

Very jealous of any of you who have been working outside this week. Robin is looking less scared of me - I have threatened violence if the weather doesn't continue this weekend - I have a bbq planned and a summer dress purchased for birthday celebrations and I will not be pleased if I have to put a mac over it and stand under a brolly to burn my burgers. He seems confident I may only have to dodge the odd summery shower. He'll tell us all the details later - here's hoping - for him as much as me!

Our meeting was moved outside in the sun in honour of the gorgeous day. But the kids in our first story weren't moved out of the classroom for the same reason unfortunately. Their teachers sent them home for reasons like not having the right pencils or pens or being cheeky in class. Now, this wasn't just a couple of kids - it was almost half of an entire school, apparently, on one day. Perhaps the teachers wanted an afternoon off in the sun - or perhaps they were just at the end of their tether and needed to instill a bit of discipline. Rachel's gone to find out.

Then, we've finally found out who the victim in the jigsaw killings was. Jeffrey Howe's body parts were found scattered miles apart - now police have arrested two people and they're building up a picture of the victim.

We've also got some green Olympic news for you - apparently organisers - trying to make sure our buses and tubes don't seize up no doubt - have come up with plans to use ferries to move around not only the spectators - but also some of the building materials needed to get our venues ready for 2012. The best bit is - they're solar powered. Hope they work - and hope Bozza and co come up with a way for the rest of us to use them. Would be lovely to get a solar powered ferry home tonight...I'll settle for a stroll along the river for now though.

This time last year I was getting ready to run along the river - and the rest of it! It's marathon time again. I know loads of you will be getting butterflies as the last few hours slip by and you taper off and carb load. We all wish you the best of luck and will be cheering you on. It's such an amazing experience - and the feeling you get running past all those people who've come out to support you is so overwhelming it erases all memory of that horrible winter training. I have to admit my time wasn't great - I did finish before some of the rhinos and the guy in the diving suit - but one guy reckons he's going to do it in just 90 minutes! Emma Walden's been to meet him.

Right now we're trying to get to the bottom of what's going on with Frank Lampard. The Chelsea player's been on the radio blasting one of LBC's DJs who he reckons accused him of not looking after his kids properly.

Then it's movie time - Robbie Collin is here to tell us what to check out at the flicks - I wish there were drive-ins here or more open air theatres. Wouldn't it be lovely to sit outside and watch a movie tonight...wonder if taking the laptop into the garden would have the desired effect...maybe not....

One of the Love London Awards went to one of our fantastic cinemas - find out which one and who else won what tonight. I went along and presented the award earlier today for best neighbourhood restaurant - such a fantastic event and so many deserving nominees. See for yourself later.

There's also what not to miss if you need inspiration for the weekend..

See you at 6.

Alex & Ben.

London Tonight Tonight

Good Afternoon... everyone.

I'm going to start with a 'mea culpa' - or an 'apology' if you speak English.

In my e-mail yesterday, I said that I and a number of my colleagues weren't fans of Iron Maiden and that we couldn't name one of their songs. Can I say now - so there's no confusion - I am no barometer of taste, fashion or popular success. I don't like flares. I didn't like them when everyone else did. My hair has had the same 'shape' (I wouldn't venture 'style') since it first grew on my head. My dad was embarrassed by my dancing.

I certainly don't believe the fact that I don't have an Iron Maiden album nestled in among my Abba, Elton John or Kings Singers CDs is in any way a measure of their talent or success. They are huge. They are hugely talented and successful. You should give them a try. You might like them.

There. Glad that's sorted.

Now then, now then, on we go to today's stories. And we kick off with Boris. We saw him yesterday, with Alastair Stewart tagging along to see what taxpayers get for their mayoral money. Well, today it seems he's refused to commit to running for a second term in the job. Now, he did not say he wouldn't. He just said he wouldn't rule out not running. What can we make of that? Well, watch the programme and Mr Harris will do his damnedest to make some sense at least.

We'll also have the latest twist on the ghastly story of the man who, having been murdered, had his body parts spread around the Hertfordshire and Leicestershire countryside. Well, the police say they have now identified the victim. We can't tell you who it is because they won't tell us. We can tell you they've arrested two men in connection with it all. Phil Bayles will fill in the details.

Ms Walden's mission for the day is to tell us all what the International Olympic Committee thinks about London's preparations for 2012. Probably slightly more than those opposed to turning Greenwich Park into an eventing park.

Ms Wickham's day has been filled with preparing a report on the country's biggest IVF centre - at St Thomas' Hospital. She's been speaking to a family who've just had a baby - their first baby born without the gene that can lead to Huntington's Disease.

Lucy has a very different family story - two girls, twins, in fact, who starred together in the gangster film 'Snatch' and who are now directing their own gangster film about their own dad. It takes all sorts.

And then there is Glen's report on a new musical. It's about the late Jade Goody. There will be those a little taken aback at the idea. All we can say is watch Glen's report and remember 'Goody Two Shoes' is being staged with her family's full support.

I'll sign off by flagging up the growing support for St George's Day. It's today, everyone. Damien's on full patriotic duty.

All of us are on duty at six.

See you then.

Ben & Alex.

London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon to you.

And what a lovely, lovely afternoon it is. Perfect for sitting outside a pub I'd say, quaffing a little something in the spring sunshine. Before the budget sticks the price up. I'm glad to say I don't smoke - never really appealed to me - or I'd be even more out of pocket. I'd better make this quick so I can pop up to the shops to stock my cupboard with (only-ever-to-be-drunk-sensibly) booze.

We're going to start our programme this evening with a man called Levi Bellfield - you may remember he was jailed last year for the murder of two young women. At the time detectives said he was their main suspect in the murder of the Surrey schoolgirl, Milly Dowler. Well, he's now given an interview to the Daily Mirror - from prison -in which he admits driving a red car seen in the area, and on the day, Milly was last seen alive. Ronke will look at what that means for the investigation into her death.

The police are also at the heart of our next story: if rank and file officers find themselves tasked to police a huge demonstration and they were hit in the ensuing rumpus, how should they respond? Well, it seems one or two of them are considering 'rolling with the punches' rather than responding in a way some might consider too violent. We've tracked down some internet chat where officers are making clear they'd rather take a 'softly, softly' approach and keep their job than risk any flak from 'getting it wrong'. We'll have a chat with the head of the coppers' union in the studio.

We'll also have the heartbreaking story of a young girl who was deprived of oxygen at birth. The consequences for Ellie and her family have been truly awful not to mention their battle to get an NHS trust to admit the blame for the mistake. Well, they have achieved that at least. Today, the hospital in Stevenage has been ordered to hand over 6 million pounds in compensation. Liz will be asking just how 'compensated' the parents feel.

Anyone here a big fan of 'Iron Maiden'? I'm going to be honest. I'm not. When I asked Ms Hyndman - currently knocking out e-mails to her mates - if she was a fan... "No" came very quickly. Robin says he's "always loved" them. Actually, can anyone name an 'Iron Maiden' track..? Probably just as well they've opened a hotel. Lewis has been for a sneaky peak. Probably found there were no TVs in the room - all been thrown out of the window. That's a joke. In case the lawyers are feeling short of cash after the Budget.

Then we have seven women short of clothes. Naked, in fact. Well, they will be if you pays your money and gets along to the Noel Coward Theatre for the stage version of the film version of the, er, paper thing with all the year's dates on it. Lucy has been speaking to the cast of 'Calendar Girls'.

Have I left anything out? Oh yes, Mr Stewart may have taken the evening off from presenting duties but he's been a very busy chap of late. Yesterday, he spent the day with the Mayor of London. So, if you want to see what one of the country's big political beasts is like as he prowls the streets of London, tune in. And you can see what Boris is like too.

See you at six.

Ben & Alex

London Tonight Tonight

Afternoon,

They've done it!!! I'll tell you who's done what in a mo (see, now you have to read all my ramblings...hehe..) I've got a banging headache - no booze to blame so unfortunately I'm going to have to blame it on the weather. It's beautiful out there but I fear the sun may be to blame. I shall stop whinging and get on with it though - as there is a lot of good stuff to get through.

We kick off with the hangover from all that kicked off at the G20 protests. Now our top cop is launching an initiative to stop violence against women. That's today - but 3 weeks ago it was one of his officers directing the violence at a woman. We talk to Nicola Fisher - the woman on the receiving end of that gloved slap and baton whack - I think her opinion is something along the lines of "that's a little bit hypocritical, no?" We're of course interested in your opinions too - is Sir Paul being a hypocrite, or are the cops getting a rough ride over all this G20 stuff? Yes, there may have been violence but are we tarring the whole force with the same brush?

Catch up with what Boris thinks about all of this too - Al's been out and about with the Mayor today - apparently there's a memorable tube journey and some bike riding to look forward to. I don't imagine they were both in lycra suits a la Chris Hoy - ok, I do imagine that...you'll see the full interview tomorrow.

We're just hearing about a pretty scary situation at Basildon Hospital. The police have been called in to look at some intravenous bags which might have been tampered with - they're also looking into the death of a three year old girl - which could be linked to the damaged bags. Ronke's been dispatched to find out all the details so she can tell us and you later.

Also just found out that John Worboys is going to serve a minimum of 8 years for the attacks he carried out on his customers. The former cabbie is also going to have to hand over the money he made driving his black cab to his victims.

Then we have a story about a girl with an extraordinary condition which means she's living her life virtually as a statue. It's a condition which affects just one in a million people - Liz has been to meet her and hear her emotional story so we can all learn more about her plight.

Now, I know you want to know who's done what - you probably guessed if you've been watching the show over the past week - it's the cricketers up Everest. They've only gone and set the record for the highest game ever. It's taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get there and get through those overs. I can't wait to hear just how they finally managed it. Mark's going to be live to fill us in.

Also looking forward to finding out about State of Play - it's the new movie which Ashton Kutcher's been tweeting about - see how down with the kids I am now! Anyhow, Lucy's back from Thailand looking fresh and relaxed - although I hear she did catch sight of a tank or two out there..but I digress. She's on the red carpet later talking to the stars - just a Dame - nothing to get excited about or anything...

So, we end as I started - with the weather - and the lovely Robin will hopefully tell me the forecast is still good for my barbie this weekend - I'm off to find something to sort this headache out - ice cream could do it.
See you at 6.

Alex & Al.

Everest Test

They've played.
The first picture is above - we're awaiting video footage and our exclusive report from Mark Jordan who's travelled with the teams all the way.
London Tonight - 6pm - ITV1 London

Weather blog

Good evening.

Even the current dry, warm & sunny weather didn't take the edge off yesterday's 'Supermarket Incident'.

The UK remains one of the world leaders in poor customer service. I know this, but each time I'm a victim I'm still surprised.

A manager's special was charged at a very unspecial price & so I queried it. Very politely. Help (a misnomer) came in the form of a junior manager who initially insisted I was wrong & then, when it became clear the mistake was his, offered no apology but instead said the fault was mine because I hadn't told him where to look.

This was then made worse by the barrage of abuse I received from the lady in the queue behind me who seemed to think the inevitable delay was my fault & that I was enjoying being an awkward customer.

I despair.

Online shopping from now on, I think....

Until later,

Robin.

P.S. The weather's staying good for the rest of the week!

The latest from Everest

See the full story at 6pm tonight - but you can hear the latest commentary from the highest cricket match ever played by clicking on play below

They're here

Three miles high. The highest plateau on earth where an official game of cricket can be played. Tomorrow they play "The Everest Test" - and create a record that can't be broken. Exclusive coverage on London Tonight.
Tuesday, 6pm, ITV1 London.

London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon.
Churchill said if you couldn't make an argument in half a side of A4 paper it wasn't worth making. We've had a dog of a day and I know we are running late so, here goes.
A fourth person has come forth to say the police hadn't grasped the servant - master equation at the G20 gatherings, claiming she, too, was bashed on the head by a copper. Glen says, "hello, hello, hello and, again, hello... what's going on 'ere", at 6.
Waltham Forest Council want to ban fast-food outlets from the immediate hinterland of their schools. I remember, as a child, going to a nearby bakery for fresh bread and to a corner-shop for sweeties and I am as svelte as a svelte 56-year-old might be. Wimpy Bars were the only fast-food outlets so perhaps Waltham Forest have a point. Mind you, the streets near most WF schools swell with existing outlets so kebabery, burgherisms and the rest of it look likely to outlive the Council. Lewis, more of a lave bread and Welsh Rarebit man, sniffs the air.
Kirstie's in to see if two swallows and £50 Billion in mortgage guarantees in Wednesday's budget make a spring.
Mark is still up Everest and the boys are inspecting the pitch in goggles, big gloves (not just the 'keeper) and fur-boots. I don't anticipate much spin nor many runs but who knows.
Star Trek splits the infinitives as if there were no tomorrow as they boldly go backwards into the past. Nick said "Beam me up" so we did and he landed on the red carpet in Leicester Square with the latest Star Trek movie which should have been the first and may yet be the last.
And Sinead O'Connor tells us she has re-released her most successful album because her record company told her to. But why did she have her hair cut so short? She reveals more than a fine scalp, I can tell you.
I can't however, tell you more as I have run out of time and space.
Katie is in make-up but sends her best. I am rushing off but join her in same and we both request your splendid company for papers, e-mails, weather and all the above at... 6

That's it - my money has run out.....
A&K

What Not To Miss

The events on What Not To Miss this week:

Careers And Jobs Live
UK Aware
The Incredible Veggie Show

Everest Update

The latest from the Everest Test tonight, as Mark Jordan reports on this incredible journey - and the link to a school in Epping

London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon.

Did he fall or was he pushed? Both, in Ian Tomlinson's case. He was the newspaper vendor who found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. I remain ignorant of his views on globalisation, capitalism, or environmental degradation. But, as he strolled home a couple of weeks ago, he found himself in the area defined by a mass of angry people who opposed all of the above - and more - and a group of Police officers whose boss had told this programme they would "meet force with force". For Ian the "force" involved putting his hands in his pockets, and his feet, one in front of the other, as he walked past them. For one of the Police officers, the "force" was a shove and a swipe with a baton, putting Ian on the deck. The Independent Police Complaints Commission launched an investigation and one of the first things they did was to order a second post-mortem. We lead our programme on the staggering findings which suggest he didn't die of a heart attack but of an abdominal haemorrhage. Lewis Vaughan Jones is one the case as I write, the story having just broken.

Whatever the outcome of that investigation, one thing is clear: the cops involved, the Territorial Support Group, are the "hard-end" of policing in London. Police Community Support Officers aren't. But when it comes to international espionage, trans-global plots and foreign "spooks" casing the joint in advance of goodness-knows what, they are the boys. Or not. The scene is Walthamstow Bus Station, the strategic significance of which has, up to now, illuded me. Intercontinental Ballistic Bendy Buses? NASA-NATO type hacking via the Oyster Card soft-ware? Standing Room Only signs that turn into Stealth fighters with the addition of mystery fluids? Something very Dr. Strangelove is obviously going on up there because when an Austrian tourist, who likes photographing buses and modern architecture, thought he had found nirvana with the Depot building and its omnibus contents started snapping, they descended upon him like MI6's finest. It ended badly for "Klaus" - I can't give his proper name as it is against all trade-craft - but we have sprung him for his safe-house in Vienna and smuggled him to our secret studio in the heart of the Hapsburg Empire to tell his side of the extraordinary story. The PSCO's , I suspect, have been posted to Cuba.

From the very real world of espionage and international tension, a memory nudge a quarter of a century on. WPC Yvonne Fletcher was patrolling near the Libyan Embassy back in 1984 - ironic year, that - during a demo. From inside the Embassy, people who held IDs that said they were drivers and cultural attaches, or that sort of thing, opened fire and Yvonne fell to the ground and died. 10 days later , Libya's finest were spirited away. The memories of that day are raw and Marcus has been reliving them with Yvonne's family. The Libyans are also probably now in Cuba.

I remember the night the Admiral Duncan Pub was nail bombed as if it were yesterday. Victims came from the scene to our studio and told their stories like seasoned reporters. It was the final brutal act in a campaign which had started sometime before in Brixton. The perpetrator, an unsavoury homophobic racist; his chosen weapon, the nail-bomb. Another sad anniversary we mark tonight.

Time, now to reach for the skies - it is Friday, after all! We weave our way into uplifting madness via the continuing bid to play cricket on the snowy slopes of Everest, the hilarious genius that is Armando Iannucci, the cinematic perceptive perfection of James King and Robin, the Salvador Dali of weather forecasting, who will do a weather forecast that is to isobars what Dali's melting 'phone was to telecommunications and surrealism.

I don't think I am going to say anymore about the last two but Iannucci is the man who invented Alan Partridge, Chris Morris's "The Day Today" and reel upon reel of BBC Radio's finest and funniest comedy. His first feature film , based on his brilliant TV parody of Downing Street spin, is blessed by even more unbelievable yet true craziness seeping under the doorway of No10. He is very clever, very lucky and very live, with us , at 6.

Miss that lot and you will be like those cricketers on Everest - mad as hatters!

The Oz, who yesterday enjoyed a small bottle of fizzy water, now has a litre of H2O on her desk. She went to Armando's movie last night: too much salty pop-corn? I wonder...

She and I hope for your company at 6.

Alastair and Alex.

Weather blog

Good Evening.

In Southern California - where I've just spent a fortnight - if it rains it is the top news story with reporters dispatched to various locations, extended travel reports showing cars on the freeway WITH THEIR WIPERS ON & much on screen debate as to how long the stormy conditions will last. If things worked in the same way here where the weather can throw a curved ball at any moment, our programmes would be meteorological spectaculars occasionally interrupted (but only briefly) by cursory news items.

It's currently grey & wet but it will get better, starting tomorrow. That's all that needs to be said. No special assignments. No live shots....

After a break from the office I always imagine I'll return to a barely recognisable landscape. Of course this isn't usually the case but this year I can report 2 big (& I think significant) changes; not only do the loos now have state of the art lighting but they also boast new soap dispensers. Definitely worth a bumpy 11 hour flight.

Until later, I hope.

Robin.

Tonight: Armando Iannucci in the studio

Comedy genius Armando Iannucci - the man behind The Day Today, Alan Partridge and The Thick Of It - is in the studio tonight talking about his big screen directorial debut:

London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon.
So there I was, enjoying a ciggie this morning when a lovely chap called Ben came up and told me (a) he liked the blog and (b) he worked in the main ITV press office. He wondered if the Oz and I and Katie actually wrote the blog. Holding myself back from asking if he thought it fell like literary manna from cyber-Heaven, I settled for "Yes, we do". So he said he'd put it on the ITV Twitter. So welcome Twitterers...! (I know that's not Twits as the Big Boss is a keen afficionado of this communications sensation and he is no Twit.)
If I seem a touch more cautious, initially, it is in deference to our new readers. But once they get used to us, it'll be bonkers time again, so here goes.
Tonight, roads across London and the home counties are under constant attack from diggers, pneumatic drills and even spades. Gaping wounds are inflicted upon these fine and noble thoroughfares amidst noise, grime, dust and human sweat. Then they lie there, silent, immobile, paralysed. Why, oh why, do so many companies and organisations do that? Dig a hole and do something, fine. Dig a hole and just drift off - criminal abuse. I may disagree with your reasons for digging the hole but, like Voltaire I will defend to the death your right to dig it.... if, and only if, you then do something.
Bozza has the answer. Large yellow plastic boards that look like surf-boards that have been caught, unawares, by a steam-roller. You can just hear Bozza saying: "Right. Splendid. Just the thing". Are they? Harris, who prefers flying to driving or cycling, is our objective judge.
Sticking with the hole theme, in Essex the good burghers of Navestock wish to retain their holes and have told the slightly bigger and more self-important burghers of Essex County Council to butt out of their affairs. It hinges on how a hole in the ground might be one burgher's "sleeping Policeman" but another burgher's dangerous accident inflicting chasm. Marcus, still a-glow at Arsenal's trouncing of Villarreal, will give the system his famous treatment. (Is there a team in the Spanish league called Villafake? Just wondered.)
Is our Everest coverage fake or real? Real, I bellow, with the full, frost-bitten support of those mad-hatters clambering up the world's highest mountain to play cricket. I know it is mad but it is not a diversion: that is what they are doing and that is what Mark is reporting on. But two of the biggest pedants in the newsroom said, in that simpering snidy way "Of course, you know they're not on Everest, don't you?" Bah and humbug I say to them. Where do they think they are, 13,000 feet above sea-level on the Indo-Nepalese border? Up Ben Nevis? Lost in Snowdonia? I hate pedants and I love the mad-hatters: more FROM EVEREST and Mark at 6.
Much scope for pedantry in Piers' report from outside Scotland Yard where a group of protestors are gathering. They muster under the colours of the Stop The War campaign. But which war? That perceived to have broken out between the Met and the mass ranks of anti-globalisation types at the recent G20 summit - or the declining skirmish in Iraq? Or both? Piers will be pedantic in his explanation, no doubt.
More pedantry over The Travellers who have bought a bit of green belt and rather transparently arrived with the deeds and a lot of building materials. "Foul" cried the locals. "Fair play... and possession IS nine tenths of the law" replied the travellers. Pistols at dawn... well, actually at 6, with Phil.
Harvey Thomas is a gent who used to organise big national conferences for the Conservative Party and nearly got killed in the Brighton Hotel bombing. He is a personal friend of mine so I found it odd to see him on our lunchtime news making a moving and very believable apology for something. It involves a crematorium, some ashes and a variation on that childhood ditty of thinking you've seen someone on the stairs only to learn that you didn't. It is a sad and moving story with a good conclusion. The lovely Emma guides you tastefully through it.
Chrissie just goes for broke on the weather. Heat-wave. Rain-storms. Two days from the weekend. Is she running out of fuel or options? Tune in to find out.
Papers, cos we like to. Your e-mail thoughts on holes in the road, cos we love to.
There's still easter egg chocolate doing the rounds so puffed out cheeks and sticky fingers at 6 I guess.
The Oz is nursing a bottle of mineral water and dreaming of Hugh Jackman who makes an appearance on the show. I gather they are compatriots but he has slightly longer and more dangerous fingernails. Now there's a thought to risk ending on.
See you at 6.
Alastair and Alex.

London Tonight Tonight

Good afternoon.

The Oz has just popped off to buy tea and cakes so the blog is mine, ALL MINE!
(When Oscar Wilde arrived in Australia for a lecture tour he was asked by immigration if he had a criminal record. He replied "I didn't know it was still obligatory!". Laugh? They nearly put him away. Australian spin bowler Shane Warne was only caught two-timing his wife because he didn't understand how his cell phone worked. Laugh? No, she cried. And, in the 50s and 60s, Brits only had to pay a tenner to emigrate Down Under. Many, after the first few days, asked for their money back. Laugh? No, they came home. Heads up, the Oz is back, so back to the programme.)

Tonight we've the story of Jack Tweed's incarceration. He, the widower of the late Jade Goody, had a brilliant lawyer who explained all the "pressure" Jack had been under and how the trauma of Jade's death had "matured" him and even given him "dignity". Nick will report on the cab driver Jack threatened and throttled with not a lot of maturity or dignity, and how it means Jack will be spending more time with his new self, without the distractions of freedom.

Our Mayor, Bozza, likes nothing more than the freedom of the roads: crisp clean air, whistling through his trademark blonde locks and creating shapes and shades, wisps and whiskers, Turner would be proud of. It is only possible because he often does all that "sans chapeau". Some say that is V naughty and a V bad example. By way of distraction, Bozza now wants to legalise cyclists turning left on a red light. In America, they do it already going RIGHT on a red - they drive on the other side of the road, though why I have never been entirely sure. I think this is dangerously complicated for Bozza and for London's many cyclists. Well, if it be Bozza's will then "render unto Bozza what is Bozza's" - subject to an intelligent debate and primary legislation in Parliament, of course! Glen pops on his clips and his aerodynamic skull-cap and pedals off for all he's worth. Bike, trike or tandem I don't know, but we'll all find out together at 6. Ding ding!

We've withdrawals: Not from hole-in-the-wall cash machines but OF hole-in-the-wall cash machines. And plans to make Oxford Circus a diagonal pedestrian precinct. I'd have sworn most tourists thought it already was when last I attempted to ply my way up towards Upper Regent Street or down toward what was the old Cafe Royal. Maybe it's just me.

Liverpool have a mountain to climb to claw back victory from Chelsea who go into tonight's euro-match with a complex advantage, having done rather well whilst visiting Anfield. God may, however, smile upon the Kop as tomorrow is the anniversary of the tragedy of Hillsborough, and He may think they are owed one. A footy rather than theological preview, at 6, from the Bridge.

Some odd chaps also have a mountain to climb - Everest, to be precise - to play a game of cricket. Yes, I know - "hatters". A few have already been given the Finger of Dismissal by the Great Weather Umpire but, stretching even my slim and rather uninterested knowledge of cricket rules, it seems they have another eight "Twelfth Men". That can't be right or numerate, but Mark Jordan says "Play up, play up, and play the game." And it seems they do, or will. I am still at Base Camp One on this one.

Chris De Burgh is Irish, had a universal hit with Lady in Red AND a daughter who went on to be Miss World. The "luck of" comes to mind but will he be testing it with his latest album? We will ask him, live at 6.

Papers, your thoughts on cyclists being given rights of the road we motorists are denied, plus Martin, who loves F1 and never runs the lights, with your weather.
I think that's it and I trust the Oz will skip the opening paragraph of inane ramblings and cut to the chase. If not, I can see this chocolate muffin she got me going all over my face... hope it's good for my skin.

See you at 6.

Alastair & Alex.

(P.S. - from the Ed - don't forget there's round the clock behind the scenes updates and breaking news on twitter - http://twitter.com/londontonight)

Jack Tweed jailed

Jack Tweed, Jade Goody's widower, is jailed for 12 weeks



Full details on London Tonight at 6pm

Chelsea v Liverpool tonight

We'll talk to our pitchside pundit on the programme tonight. Before that, some thoughts from Benitez and Hiddink..

London Tonight Tonight

Happy Easter!!

I'm not here tomorrow - Sangeeta's looking after you - so I get to wish you lots of Easter cheer now. So, Happy Easter Bunnies and Egg Hunts and for those of you who've stuck with it, enjoy the end of Lent.. I know I will!

But, I do hope not too many of you are heading away for the bank holiday. Obviously I'll be happy for you if you're having a nice break. But we're all being warned again! - to expect 'travel chaos'. We get it every single bank holiday, but it does generally turn out to be true.

I'm going to try toavoid puns on top of obvious warnings tonight. Our new Ed - Neil (who's going to be looking after Faye's job while she's off having her bubba) got a bit of stick for a little too much fromage frais (ie too many puns) in the show last night. So am showing my support here.

Plus, I've already heard all the puns about Mr Quick's blunder that I'd only be plagiarising anyway..

So - more probs for our cops. Not only is one of them being talked to about Ian Tomlinson's death at the G20 protests, now Quick's said goodbye (see, I could have said a swift exit!) after showing off those anti-terror plans. Not so good for Bozza. But good news is the man stepping into his shoes is John Yates, who Al assures us is a very good choice. Plus it means we've now got a woman stepping into Yates' shoes - Janet Williams is now Assistant Commissioner at Scotland Yard. So good and bad news at the top.. We'll have the latest on that and find out how you're feeling about the police right now..

Next we're delving in to Henry the Eighth goodies! Hampton Court's celebrating 500 years since he was crowned King and they're putting on a show of his wares. Glen's got a first glimpse before it opens to the rest of us tomorrow - there's an idea for the weekend for ya!

Another idea is broccoli. Not eating it - although you will probably need the green goodness to counteract the bucket load of chocolates and hot cross buns....mmmmmmmm... I mean the broccoli behind Bond. Lucy's been to see the James Bond/Chubby Broccoli extravaganza at the South Bank - they're doing a season of his best bits and the best bit for me is Roger Moore (in Sean Connery and Daniel Craig's absence). He's talking to Lucy about all things 007.

Then, Corr blimey!! (Sorry, couldn't help myself!) Andrea Corr's in tonight. She's coming in with Niamh Cussack to talk about the play they're in at The Old Vic. It's called Dancing at Lughnasa - it's a brilliant production of Brian Friel's play. Which I've just found out was also made into a move starring Meryl Streep and Rhys Ifans - might have to check that out. I saw the play earlier in the week and really enjoyed it. Also spotted Andrea in the theatre bar afterwards looking very, very tiny in a minute skirt and tights. She was great in her first stage role (even though she's obviously been on stage loads with the band) and Niamh Cussack was brilliant as always. Looking forward to talking to them both and finding out about the future of The Corrs and Heartbeat!

I think I need to go and run around outside to burn off some of this chocolate energy/calories - and it's not even Good Friday - oh dear..

See you at 6.

Alex & Alastair.

London Tonight Tonight

Afternoon,

You will have seen the pics in the papers and have probably caught the video on the TV or the internet today - if not, you'll see it tonight. It's of the moment Ian Tomlinson died at the G20 protests last week. He is apparently hit by a police officer and falls to the ground. We knew Mr Tomlinson died of a suspected heart attack during the protests - what we didn't know was that the police had contact with him before he died. Remember at the time they said they'd tried to help him when he was found on the ground - but couldn't 'cos of the protesters around him. They said when they got to him it was too late - but now the question is - was it their fault he fell ill in the first place?

This is where it all gets messy - the pics are pretty incriminating - Ian's family want a criminal investigation - the IPCC's looking into it.. Simon's been checking all the facts too - he'll bring us all the details tonight. We'll be asking for your input on this too.

From one tragedy to another - a ten year old boy's been orphaned after his Dad - who was due to give up work to take care of him full time - was killed cycling to the job he was only going to be at for two more days. William's' Mum died from cancer only months earlier. She left behind two kids from her previous marriage - now they at just 21 and 19 - are going to be looking after William. Marcus Powell's been to meet them.

Now, as it's a lovely sunny day we thought we'd send Liz out to the garden - well, not our garden.. We don't have one! And neither do the gardeners who used to potter and hoe to their hearts' content in Manor Gardens. They were chucked out 'cos it's the Olympic Park - the land was then flattened - but now there's a gardening competition on the plots. I'm confused - Liz will make it all as clear as mud - no, that's not the right saying - you know what I mean!

Next - mainly - Whoopi!! Whoopi Goldberg's on the show!! Faye and i can't wait to see Sister Act on the stage - that's what she's on the show talking to Lucy about...Al says he'd pay good money to avoid it. By the way - it's his 31st wedding anniversary today!! He's away rehearsing something so i can pop that in here and send huge congratulations to himself and the lovely Mrs Stewart!!

Also, don't miss Matthew Kelly - he's coming in to tell us about his new life as a serious actor!

It's all at 6 as per usual.

See you then,

Alex & Alastair.

Tamil protest causes chaos

Amir Khan supports rail campaign

What Not To Miss

Here are the official websites of the items featured this week.

Chocolate Festival

Whitechapel Gallery

Animate The World

London Tonight Tonight

Afternoon,

It's sunny again!! I'm easily pleased - a bit of sun's all I need - well, a glass of wine would be nice too and a comfy seat in a pub garden..but considering I'm still off the booze for lent and the show's on at 6 I'll have to be content with just the nice weather for now..

Al's not here yet - he's at a charity lunch - so it's just me for now - but later it'll be me, him and Robbie Collin doing the movies as James King's decided to bunk off today. I saw The Boat That Rocked last night - and must admit I had pretty high expectations for it - great cast and a subject close to my heart (sort of...I started work on a radio station..but not one on a boat..anyway..) My sister's been texting me lines from the film all day "You look like a Unicorn" and "He's a guy who has a lot of friends, long hair and wears a dress...who is it!?" If you've seen the movie already you'll get it. Now, I did get it - but I didn't think it was wet your pants funny, disappointing... Monsters versus Aliens does look v funny though - love a cartoon but fear I may have to borrow a child to see it. Maybe I'll wait for that one to hit DVD.

Enough movies for now - more news.

Remember all those body parts that have been turning up? Now police say the arm, leg and head (which was found in Leicestershire) are all from the same body..so a killer's chopped someone up and is ditching parts all over the country. Marcus Powell's got the job of telling the gruesome story.

More gruesome news from Italy where the Meredith Kercher trial's been shown pictures of her body and the murder scene. The media's been banned after a request from her family - but Keith Miller's going to bring us up to date from Perugia.

Al's back and is now sticking his oar in!! He's instructed me to tell you he's a huge PD James fan - so he's finding these stories not only gruesome but intriguing.. He's now also singing Oh Vienna at me...more of in a mo...

Onto the less gory parts of the show and LVJ's been to meet a lollipop man who's become the focus of an internet campaign. Great grandfather Fred Kent's been told he can't do his job anymore - 'cos he's just turned 80. The kids love him and Lewis is going to tell us about their parent's plans to keep him on the road.

Now the sport - as you probably know Al and I both love Formula One and our Brit boys Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button (I also have a soft spot for my Aussie mate Mark Webber but we don't need to go into that here....) So, as happy as we were that Jens won Down Under - the hangover from the overtaking/not overtaking lying/not lying...between Lewis and Jarno hasn't made for the best start to the season. We hear from little Lewie himself tonight.

There's also footy - and Chelsea getting ready to take on Newcastle and their new Messiah (third one this season..yes?!)

You saw those great pics of Michelle Obama at a school in Islington yesterday - she was overwhelmed and the little kids all wanting to hug her made Al tear up too - so Big Boss has sent Glen down to see the kids and find out all about the First Lady's visit. Prepare for more welling up.. so sweet!

Now to that Vienna stuff - and yes Alastair I do know the song - I'm not that young (I wish!!). But, I don't really remember Ultravox as such though - but Al bought Vienna on vinyl and loves it - an anthem he says... Well, Midge is back with the boys and Lucy's been to see them - first time they've been back together since Live Aid (not Live 8 kids!).

See you at 6 then,

Alex & Alastair

Michelle Obama in Islington

Incredible scenes as Michelle Obama visits an Islington school

More on London Tonight at six..