A Tired Format

Isn't it interesting how quickly TV tastes can change. A month ago the lads' motoring programme Top Gear was one of the most valuable TV franchises on earth, and certainly the biggest moneyspinner for the BBC.

Down the years I've loved the show's irreverance and unadulterated appeal to petrolheads like myself.

But something has changed. Jeremy Clarkson, the main presenter, used to be hilariously witty. Now I find him boorish and ignorant.

The latest series has seen the format creak with lack of originality, and the Christmas special was boring, predictable and showed all the moving parts of a heavily scripted 'mockumentary' which I found embarassing in its treatment of Indian people and culture.

Surely it's time to put this show out of its misery.