I took pity on Barry Cryer, dining alone at a table for two. He recognised me when I joined him, and seemed to welcome my company.

We discussed my ‘secret talent’, and the pleasure of revealing to others that I was a writer for BBC Radio 4’s I’m sorry I haven’t a clue.

At the end of the meal I asked Barry to pass on my best wishes to our mutual friend Willie Rushton, forgetting that the long-dead comedian had left this world in 1996.