Ant sets his fans a very poor standard

Dear Editor,

I am not and never will be a fan of Ant and Dec; the duo are perfect examples of how to become a millionaire without even having to try.

In this they are supported by devoted fans who are starved for real comedy and entertainment, and find significance in television material where there isn’t any – and they are not supposed to know any better.

However, the recent arrest of Ant McPartlin and his subsequent drinkdriving charge is an absolute disgrace.

He is a poor ambassador for British television and sets a tardy example to his disciples.

The following are a few frank comments from social media commenting on the issue: “The guy is a waste of space”; “he looks like a zombie on and off television”; and “the repetitive rehab scenario is to gain sympathy and avoid a prison sentence”.

On the other side of the coin are opinions from his loyal fans, such as: “Leave him alone”and, “he is obviously going through a hard time”.

Quite frankly the latter comment is a somewhat flimsy excuse for putting two adults and a child’s life at risk, and demonstrates a total disregard for public safety and property.

Consider for a moment if this case involved a taxi or bus driver it would result in instant dismissal and the end of a career, minus any special consideration that is often granted to these so-called celebrities.

Within the context of British television and entertainment history there is a rich legacy of comedy talent, and indeed we need look no further than in our own backyard.

Scotland has given showbusiness some of the greatest and most memorable comedians ever . Who could ever forget the comic genius of the likes of Jimmy Logan, Rikki Fulton and Jack Milroy as Francie and Josie? And Stanley Baxter, who incidentally made a series of spectacular Saturday night specials for ITV in the seventies.

And of course not forgetting the great many comedy legends from south of the border. Acts such as the two Ronnies, Dick Emery, Steptoe and Son, the list goes on and on.

They were the architects of British comedy who elevated the medium to highly popular public and critical acclaim on an international level.

Ant and Dec don’t come close and couldn’t hold a candle to any of these entertainment legends.

Today of course money and profit often take precedence before people, so the support of Ant Mc Partlin by his backers a comes as no surprise. It is simply a case of do the wrong thing and reap the rewards.

If Ant by his own admission is feeling the pressure of being in the limelight, and finds alcohol and painkillers a convenient crutch, then perhaps those in the corridors of power in television should “Take Away” the spotlight. William Queen, Airdrie