Oh no, it’s back.

I’m a devoted fan of Radio 4 comedy. Especially the shows on the prime 6.30pm slot. The News Quiz, I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, Clare in the Community, Ed Reardon’s Week, works of genius all. But the one that leaves me cold is Just a Minute. For 48 years, Nicholas Parsons has invited panellists have to talk for sixty seconds on a given subject “without hesitation, repetition or deviation”. Or humour. Maybe it’s me but it has never once even made me smile. To my dismay, it was back again last night for its 76th series. Perhaps when Nicholas Parsons dies – he’s 92 – this dismal show will finally die too. I really don’t care what Paul Merton can say in one minute. Especially given what Eddie Cochran could say in less than two.