He uses his position as presenter unashamedly to educate himself in arcane pursuits, wistfully hoping that the Christianity he once espoused might prove scientifically respectable. Easier to be Tom Stoppard, another guest, who had wisely not read it.
But Bragg is best, oddly enough, with articulate, adventurous scientists like George Smoot, the man who discovered wrinkles in time and managed to explain what they meant. Only very careful listening revealed that never did Bragg actually praise it – a fine line was trodden between polite interest and critical objectively. Bragg has pilloried other writers for less, as Kathy Lette must remember, but Palin was allowed to plug his novel unbashed. Palin is an interesting, kindly man – a comic genius on film and an entertaining traveller but, alas, not a good novelist. One is the sense that he doesn’t dissemble: his opinions, while unpredictable, are emphatically his own The second is the calibre of his guests.

Last week, for example, Michael Palin was invited to the 25th birthday edition, and Melvyn was feeling generous. We listen to Melvyn Bragg because, although he’s intolerable, he’s irresistible

Two things keep us hooked. Why don’t we stay chuckling with Wogan (R2), telephoning that nice Diana Madill’s Magazine (R5) or listening to This Week’s Composer (R3)? For that matter, we could argue with idiots on Talk Radio or acquire dubious racing tips from Henry Kelly on Classic FM But we don’t. Jolly wilderness adventure which passes 80 minutes well enough. Brooding Jesse Bradford is the scamp stranded on an island with his pooch after dad’s boat hits a storm Moderately moist eyes guaranteed..

HE’S inconsistent; he’s dismissive; he’s sycophantic; he’s self- indulgent; he’s offensive – yet every Monday millions of us use him to kick-Start the Week (R4). Do we care if Kim Flitcroft’s documentary study of living by Giro in Sheffield is blatantly contrived? Not when the results are this darkly funny. The greatest Mike Leigh comedy that Leigh never made.
Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog. Shades of Fassbinder, My Own Private Idaho and a whole lot of promise

Tales From a Hard City.