The putrid, oozing sore that is Big Brother has started again; the TV is unplugged for the duration of the show to avoid any contamination.

This time, however, I am concerned. Very concerned. This is the second Big Brother in a row that I have had links with one of the contestants. The latter link is very minor but still it is there. I think I’m going to have to apply a wire brush to my life.

I haven’t been feeling particularly Christmassy so far this year: work has meant that I have been working stupid hours. This changed last night. After turning up only a day late to my cousin Tom’s birthday party we had a quick dinner in one of his local gastro pubs and sank a few pints.

On the way home I had to change at Blackfriars from national rail onto the tube and on the way there I passed a girl wearing a Santa hat. I grinned at her and she smiled back and as one we wished each other a Merry Christmas.

I smiled all the way home. Merry Christmas to you all!