Some performers are just like Marmite (other brands of yeast based foodstuffs are also available). You either love them or you hate them.
Often there is no logical reason for your dislike. Everyone else thinks they are the best thing since sliced bread as you sit there pondering how such a talent free zone was ever allowed anywhere near a television studio.
Which brings me to Sarah Millican. As she begins her latest onslaught to become the Queen of TV comedy (never going to happen as long as there is a breath left in Miranda Hart's body) the question that comes readily to mind is: Why?
She seems nothing more than a real life Mrs Merton but without Caroline Aherne's wit or knowing irony. A dumpy Northern lass with a squeaky voice whose idea of television charisma is to stare straight into the camera like a startled owl and recite her lines with little or no inflection as though she is reading them from an auto-cue for the very first time.
She attempts to liven things up by talking about slightly rude subjects and her guests play along gamely when she channels her inner Mrs Merton to ask pointed or embarrassing questions that a 'real' chat show host could not get away with.
And people laugh, as you might when your favourite Auntie does her party piece at Christmas after a few too many sherries. Hard to imagine Milllican surviving on the club circuit, quelling hecklers and dodging thrown pint pots.
And yet, is there more here than meets the eye? Is this a cunningly crafted mask, honed to perfection and capable of turning aside the most virulent heckler whilst simultaneously winning the hearts and minds of the family audience?
Since she seems omni-present on the box at the moment there will be plenty of opportunity to investigate further. I will report back if a definitive talent sighting presents itself.
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