That comes at an increasing price to the BBC – £211.5m for the latest package until 2022 – but there seems little evidence that ultra-modern viewing habits and the Netflixian disregard for pesky, rigid scheduling has made a dent in MOTD’s appeal.

[…] wrapped in layers of warm clothing against rushing icy air, and all longing for bubbling hot kye (Navy cocoa) at midnight.

That machine can do 20 fills a minute.

Britain's twenty-somethings have become iPod-carrying Dick Whittingtons, drawn to London by the prospect of large salaries and hopes of a vibrant social life.