Just A Minute

On Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 01:45 PM, Anthony Hobson wrote:

> Yep I agree with you there. It’s just that over the past few years,
> Clement seems to be really winding down, and I’m really worried about
> him as he’s one of my favourites. I do hope he’s alright in sound mind
> and body.

I don't think he's in top health physically. I also feel he's beginning
to slow down a little. If he had been making his debut yesterday, he
might have been lucky to get another call-up.

But of course he isn't - he is a huge part of the show's history and
culture. I notice they have started to have him on the programme less
often than they did a couple of years back. I'm not sure if this is
Clement's choice or not - it may be he's less keen on all the travelling
these days.

I remember Clement mildly criticising Peter Jones remaining on the show
in the late 90s as "a favourite golden oldie" when Clement felt Peter
was no longer able to keep up. In a way you can feel that Clement was
right - Peter does sound a bit doddery in many of his last shows - but
also that the producers were absolutely right in putting up with that
for the three or four moments in every show when Peter would earn his
keep with a very witty remark.

We're not quite at that point with Clement, he's still quick on the
buzzer. He would win a lot more if Paul wasn't there. But I wonder if he
at some point might decide he's had a good run and become the first
regular to actually retire from the programme.

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