... restore Angus or else ...

Angus Deaton, Angus Deayton, have I got news for you
... and Else is otherwise engaged.

I urge the readers of the Odtaa Files to Complain to the BBC

This is what I wrote:

Angus Deayton was removed from the show 'Have I Got News For You', because of some allegations in a number of tabloid newspapers.

The only allegation which suggested he broke the law was that of taking cocaine. This was unproven, not tested in court and seems so insignificant that the police have not taken the matter further.

I accept that Mr Deayton did get his leg pulled about the matters, which was not surprising. He took the punishment in good stead. The matter woiuld have soon blown over.

I believe that the BBC has broken its mandate by letting what was a very trivial tabloid story which would have been a 9 day wonder affect its decision making.

This will now enable the tabloid press pick and choose which presenters they wish to destroy. From the BBC management point of view this is a serious mistake as you are allowing the papers to control you. You have helped reinforce the culture where anyone famous will now targetted by any 'gold digger' or 'scandal monger' for money.

I feel that Angus Deayton was sacked unfairly; I feel that by doing so you have diminshed the freedom of speech in this country; and I feel that the viewers of the programme have been badly treated.

Shame on you.

PS. The last show had Paul Merton as chair. This makes him the authority figure. Paul Merton's appeal is playing the naughty child against an authority figure. Angus Deayton was the perfect foil, which is why the programme worked.

The programme has now being ruined. The only way to restore it is to annouce by popular demand you have decided to reinstate Mr Deayton. If not then the programme is dead.