I was delighted when David Baddiel shouted over from the sofa that TPR should stop complaining and get on with his duties. All I had requested was some help in finding the two tiny screws to reattach the arms of my glasses to the frame (they had dropped onto the floor somewhere), and that he deliver a guest lecture to my Thursday morning class (admittedly at half an hour’s notice).

Now that TPR was retired he should have all the time in the world to support me. When his back was turned I walked back over to the sofa to thank Baddiel and planted a kiss firmly on my hero’s lips.