The BBC has done it again – not only dropping the Rev. Richard Coles from Radio 4's Saturday Live, a show he has presented for 12 years and for which he was a perfect fit (and by miles the best of its presenters), but bungling his departure with a typical mix of crass insensitivity and sneaky, face-saving machinations. This sad story has attracted little notice, largely because the BBC has done its best to bury it, but The Guardian yesterday ran an illuminating interview with Coles, whose response to his shabby treatment by the Corporation is admirably restrained. His last show goes out live this Saturday. I fancy it will be a moving farewell...
Meanwhile, the BBC has delivered its standard-issue weasel words, assuring us that Richard 'continues to be part of the Radio 4 family. We look forward to working with him on future projects.'
Thursday 23 March 2023
Richard Coles
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Yes Nige, the Corporation is not so overburdened with the modest, polymathic talent possessed by Coles, that they can afford to let him go as, doubtless, many will turn away from the programme following his departure. I was driven away long ago by his tiresomely overstimulated co-host Nikki Bedi, who manages to find humour, followed by hyena-like laughter, in almost any guest's utterance.
ReplyDeleteI quite agree, Michael. It's a sad affair all round, and for me Coles was the only thing that kept me tuning in (from time to time). His final programme did a fine job of avoiding the subject until it could be avoided no longer, at which point he was given a decent, if too brief, farewell – and managed to sign off with a well placed profanity and a rousing 80s dancefloor anthem. He was himself to the end.
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