BILL’S A PERFECT GENT

A couple of weeks ago Bill Turnbull and I (former breakfast TV rivals!) recorded a new series together. Such occasions can often be vexed affairs if the person you’re working alongside turns out to be an egotistical kn**.

Bill, however, was a gentleman. Like stepping into a comfy pair of slippers. Despite his recent prostate cancer diagnosis and the effects of an armoury of prescription drugs, we laughed, joked, joshed our producer, and, as it was Bill’s birthday, had a celebratory tipple and a slice of cake once we’d finished.

Our show, Holding Back the Years, is on BBC1 at 9.15am from Monday.

Gary Oldman must be a very special individual. Not because his Best Actor Oscar testifies it, but because he inspired his son, Gulliver, to write this: “My father is my one and true guiding light. My only hero. He is the man I aspire one day to become.” THAT is Gary Oldman’s greatest achievement.