Behind the Scenes

The revelation that daytime television shows such as Bargain Hunt, Cash in the Attic and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is are 'pre-scripted' - and later edited - for dramatic effect will come as no surprise to anyone with an I.Q. exceeding their shoe size.

Despite this, the BBC has always denied accusations, most notably that of Jim and Maureen Samuels, that these shows are 'faked' while at the same time admitting that certain parts of them are 'reconstructed' for the camera. A subtle difference perhaps and one to which the corporation obviously attaches a great deal of importance, but not one which could by any stretch of the imagination, be considered a closely guarded secret.

So why have the BBC's lawyers suddenly found it necessary to contact a local couple who appeared on Bargain Hunt more than three years ago and remind them of the confidentiality agreement they signed at the time? Surely they can't seriously think there is anyone still living who actually believes that this rubbish is real?

I'm reminded of Otto Von Bismarck's famous quote about Sausages and Laws and wonder if perhaps we should add daytime television to that list for the benefit of it's few remaining fans.