Just A Minute

a couple of links on this

Firstly Paul gives a very revealing interview to the Giardian on Just A Minute - several revelations there Paul Merton on Just a Minute: 'Our worst contestant? Esther Rantzen'

and my take  on this with links to BBC clips is here http://justaminutesite.blogspot.co.nz/2016/02/pauls-milestone_25.html

A couple of talking points for the group out of this.

Firstly, Paul suggests that one reason he keeps doing the show is his affection for Nicholas. It does make me wonder what happens - as must surely happen one day soon - when Nicholas either does or becomes too unwell to continue. I have thought for the last few years that Gyles is the obvious replacement - but could it be that Paul himself might want to take the chair? He clearly cares a lot about the show.

Also do we agree that the show is "more fun" than it was in olden days? I think today's show doesn't have the amazing energy and versatility that Kenneth Williams provided - to me he will always be the most rivetting contestant in the show's history.  But is Paul right to say it is funnier these days? He may be right simply because the panellists used to actually talk about the subjects and were sometimes more informative than humorous.

I'd be interested to know what people think.

And while we are talking stats, can I point out one upcoming. Both Graham Norton and Gyles Brandreth are on the verge of joining the 100 club of those who have made 100 or more appearances. Graham is currently one ahead - but I suspect Gyles might slip in ahead of him! When they both pass the mark, we will have exactly 10 people to have done so. (Nicholas, Clement, Paul, Kenneth, Derek, Peter, Sheila and Tony Hawks being the other eight.)