More shocking news for the BBC: The Scotsman reports that Tam Dean Burn has added his voice to the chorus of actors vowing never to work for the Corporation again unless it reverses its decision not to show the DEC broadcast.
What do you mean you've never heard of Tam Dean Burn? He found fame starring in two episodes of Hamish Macbeth as well as three episodes of The Bill over a decade ago, obviously, and has had walk on parts in minor BBC dramas, such as Holby City, ever since.
Mark Thompson, already on the ropes after numerous other BBC scandals, must have thought that things on his watch could not get any worse when former Soldier, Soldier and Boon actress (where she played Mandy), Samantha Morton, announced that she would be taking her talent elsewhere unless the broadcast was made, but he clearly underestimated the steely grit and moral rectitude of the theatrical fraternity.
But the BBC remains resolute. What will it take? PC Tony Stamp actor Graham Cole to also add his name to the list before Thompson relents?
Point is, for once, I agree with the BBC - in my view it is not up to the state-owned broadcaster to transmit this - or any other - charity plea. Surely people who are moved by the news pictures from the disaster zones to donate money are intelligent enough to do so without being browbeaten by the BBC or, indeed, a couple of two-bit publicity-seeking actors.
