Category: NEWS

This year marks the 2575th anniversary of Confucius’s birth, and during the National Day holiday, the Palace Museum has launched a significant exhibition titled “On the Path of Greatness: A Special Exhibition on Confucian Culture.” This exhibition features 380 artifacts from both domestic and international sources, inviting visitors to explore the millennia-old wisdom of Confucian culture.

The exhibition’s theme, “On the Path of Greatness,” is derived from the “Book of Rites,” expressing Confucian ideals of establishing a world of shared prosperity and moral integrity. This pursuit not only embodies the classic expression of the Confucian ideal of a “Great Unity” society, but it has also been continually reinterpreted to reflect contemporary realities, showcasing China’s unique understanding and dedication to building a shared future for humanity. The exhibition is divided into three sections: “Tracing the Roots of Confucianism,” “Transforming the World,” and “An Eternal Teacher,” presenting a rich tapestry of archaeological findings, literature, and cultural artifacts that illuminate the historical development of Confucian thought and its profound global influence.

Among the first items on display is the “Confucius Mirror,” unearthed from the Western Han Dynasty’s Haihunhou Tomb. This mirror reveals how people during that era envisioned Confucius, featuring images of him alongside his disciple Yan Hui on its reverse side.

In addition to the “Confucius Mirror,” the exhibition showcases rare artifacts such as pottery shards from the Warnings Cave in Jiangxi Province dating back 20,000 years, which feature symbols reminiscent of the Bagua, and Neolithic pottery that outlines the diverse and unified fabric of Chinese civilization. The exhibition also includes artifacts reflecting the standardization of script after the unification of China under the Qin Dynasty. With Emperor Wu of Han adopting Confucianism as the state ideology, the foundation of Chinese traditional culture was firmly established for the next two millennia. Notably, “On the Path of Greatness: A Special Exhibition on Confucian Culture” will run until January 5 of next year.

The exhibition also highlights valuable artifacts such as a piece from the Osaka Museum of Fine Arts, a scroll attributed to the Tang Dynasty artist Wang Wei, titled “Fusheng Teaching the Classics.” The scroll depicts the story of Fusheng, who hid his treasured “Book of Documents” in the walls of his home during the Qin Dynasty. During the Han Dynasty, as this essential Confucian text was on the verge of being lost, the court sought Fusheng’s help, allowing the preservation of this critical work.

According to Xiong Changyun from the Palace Museum’s Department of Antiquities, Fusheng memorized the 28 chapters of the “Book of Documents” through oral teaching, making it the most important source of this classic text as we know it today. Interestingly, this historical artifact is exhibited for only one month due to its significance. Another highlight consists of three Eastern Han stone scriptures and four from the Three Kingdoms period, which represented the authoritative versions of Confucian classics before the advent of printing.

Xiong noted, “Handwritten manuscripts are prone to errors, so during the Eastern Han period, officials recognized this issue and created the first set of stone inscriptions, establishing an authoritative version of Confucian texts.” Some of these stone scriptures are inscribed in three different scripts: ancient Chinese characters, small seal script, and clerical script, presented in both “品” character and aligned formats.

Xiong explained that these scripts represent three historical periods preceding the Eastern Han: the Warring States (ancient characters), the Qin Dynasty (small seal script), and the Han Dynasty (clerical script), demonstrating the continuity of Confucian classics across different writing styles.

The stone inscriptions, now significantly weathered over the millennia, are resurrected in the exhibit through rubbings that offer glimpses into their past forms. Xiong remarked on the difficulty of matching fragmented characters with their positions in ancient texts, emphasizing that each fragment symbolizes a piece of lost civilization. “These solid stones are challenging to preserve, yet the legacy of Confucianism thrives through the dedication of scholars across generations, keeping it vibrant and present in our lives.”

Confucian culture has continuously evolved alongside other excellent philosophical traditions in the development of the Chinese nation, serving as a vital spiritual resource for its resilience and growth. Moreover, it continues to provide valuable insights for global communication, understanding, and the exchange of civilizations.

Money expert urges Ofcom be given more powers as interview with chancellor used to trick people to share bank details
Eleni CoureaSun 20 Oct 2024 07.00 EDTFirst published on Fri 18 Oct 2024 10.37 EDTShareMartin Lewis has warned of a “wild west” of online scams after criminals used a fake interview with Rachel Reeves to trick consumers into sharing their bank details before the budget.
The Guardian spotted an online advert from an outfit calling itself “Quantum AI” designed to look like a BBC News article covering an interview with the UK chancellor. The advert was headlined “By order of Rachel Reeves, UK residents will start receiving income from taxes.” It purported that people could receive £2,300 payouts if they applied early.
The advert, which was presented as an interview between Reeves and LBC’s Iain Dale, directed applicants to fill in their bank details on the Quantum AI website. To create a sense of urgency, the ad claimed there were fewer than 800 out of 4,000 places left.
Quantum AI has been promoted in AI-generated deepfake videos of Lewis, where the consumer champion and founder of MoneySavingExpert appears to urge people to invest in an Elon Musk-backed project.
Lewis called on ministers to empower Ofcom to tackle online scams. “As we’re still not going to have any regulation on scams online until the middle of 2026, we still live in a wild west and people are still incredibly at risk from these criminals,” he said.
Under the Online Safety Act, the communications regulator will be able to require tech firms to implement measures to protect their users from illegal content online.
Warning social media videos could be exploited by scammers to clone voicesRead moreLewis said the “organised crime groups” behind the scams acted like “dark web online marketing agencies”.
He said: “Just like normal online marketing agencies, what they do is they utilise whatever will get them the most clicks and most people through to their nefarious aims. They are constantly trying other iterations, just like any other marketing firm would do to try and reach more people.
“We saw them use Rishi Sunak. Now we’re seeing Rachel Reeves in one of those scams. Their thinking is: ‘Do we think she’ll do any business? Let’s put her out there and see.’”
The scam adverts often feature Musk, bitcoin and quantum trading, which Lewis said acted as “totems for getting rich quick”.
Lewis said: “They are now trying the chancellor because it might catch a few people who aren’t caught by other methods.”
The Advertising Standards Authority, which runs a scam alert system, said it had spotted the advert and sent an alert to online platforms to get it removed.
A spokesperson for the Times Media, on whose mobile app the advert was spotted, said: “We have investigated the advert brought to our attention and it was quickly blocked across our network. We prioritise consumer digital safety and we have a responsibility to take the utmost care to ensure that all advertising in our digital ecosystem meets the high standards expected by our readers.”
Chris Olson, the chief executive of the Media Trust, which works with publishers to tackle fraudulent advertising, said: “These issues will not be solved by any one member of the digital supply chain, nor by well-intentioned legislation alone. Combating targeted digital scams and cyber-attacks requires sophisticated scanning and cooperation across the entire digital supply chain.”
Dale said: “It is incredibly concerning that this AI scam is seeking to mislead innocent people in this way. I hope the police see it as a priority to crack down on it and that the laws in this area are strengthened. The trouble is, technology is always light years ahead of the law.”
A government spokesperson said: “Fraud is a pernicious crime, and we are determined to bring fraudsters to justice. In this case, this scam advert was flagged by ASA’s scam ad alert system, and we are pleased it has since been taken down. “We urge the public to find out more about staying safe from fraud, including how to stop fake online adverts, by visiting the government’s Stop! Think Fraud website.”

In a recent interview with Kang Yingjie, a partner at Fangda Partners and lead author of the “China Enterprises Overseas Rights Protection Blue Paper (2023-2024)”, key insights were shared regarding the pressing overseas risks faced by Chinese companies. This report was jointly released on October 18 during the 12th Annual Corporate Legal Conference in Beijing, organized by the China Company Law Research Institute, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and Fangda Partners.

Kang highlighted four primary categories of risks that Chinese firms are currently grappling with: the arrest of executives, seizure of exported goods, searches and confiscation of company equipment, and substantial fines alongside procurement limitations.

According to the blue paper, administrative investigations have emerged as the most common type of enforcement encountered by Chinese companies abroad over the past two years, with the real estate sector identified as particularly vulnerable to foreign scrutiny.

The data revealed a worrying trend: the rate at which surveyed companies experienced overseas law enforcement has been rising. The United States remains the leading country for such actions against Chinese businesses, with economic sanctions and export controls cited as the primary enforcement mechanisms.

Kang elaborated on the three main scenarios in which Chinese companies face international law enforcement. Many are penalized for engaging in transactions with sanctioned entities, while others fall afoul of cybersecurity and data protection regulations due to insufficient protective measures. Additionally, intellectual property enforcement issues, particularly concerning trade secrets, were also outlined.

Surprisingly, nearly 60% of the Chinese enterprises facing foreign enforcement actions did so under the jurisdiction of long-arm laws, with some incidents occurring within China itself.

The blue paper also discusses the root causes behind the escalating overseas risks, attributing them to the complexity of unfamiliar legal environments, geopolitical tensions, and intensified global competition.

The four types of risks identified include:

1. **The Arrest of Executives**: An example is the arrest of a Chinese executive during a layover, charged by the U.S. Justice Department with violations of U.S. sanctions and false statements.

2. **Seizure of Exported Goods**: Since June 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has handled numerous cases involving exported goods in sectors like chemicals and pharmaceuticals, resulting in the rejection of many shipments.

3. **Search and Seizure of Company Equipment**: Instances have arisen where Chinese employees traveling abroad are interrogated by foreign officials, leading to the search of their electronic devices.

4. **Severe Fines and Procurement Restrictions**: Businesses are facing hefty fines, alongside limitations on their ability to procure materials and services.

Moreover, the rising risks related to extraterritorial supply chain legislation were emphasized. Kang explained that violations of such laws could result in detrimental repercussions for companies, including import restrictions and unfavorable tax policy adjustments.

As these developments unfold, Kang advises that Chinese enterprises familiarize themselves with the enforcement processes and timelines related to U.S. legislation and similar regulations in the EU, which has introduced various directives that could impact Chinese firms significantly.

The newly enacted EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation exemplifies this trend, providing a comprehensive framework for reviewing subsidies from non-EU governments. In the first 100 days of its implementation, there were multiple inquiries involving Chinese companies.

Overall, the blue paper stresses the importance of continuous monitoring of relevant overseas enforcement trends and preparing proactive strategies to mitigate potential risks.

Getty ImagesPrague is to ban night-time pub crawls organised by travel agencies, in a bid to deter rowdy tourists from visiting and attracting more "refined" visitors instead.
The Czech capital's authorities say organised pub crawls – often aimed at foreign stag and hen dos – will be banned between 22:00 and 06:00 local time (21:00-05:00 BST).
Deputy mayor Jiri Pospisil said he wanted the city to become a place where "refinement and respect for shared public space are a priority".
Prague is not alone in its bid to deter rowdy tourists – many from the UK. Last year, Amsterdam launched a campaign to discourage young British men from travelling to the Dutch capital to use drugs and drink heavily.
Prague City Council said councillors had approved an amendment limiting "organised movements of tourists from pub to pub, disrupting the night peace especially in the centre".
The change was made on noise, safety and cleanliness grounds. Crowds of drunk tourists also negatively affect the reputation of the city, councillors claimed.
Officials in the central Prague One district, most of which is a Unesco World Heritage Site and where many bars are located, welcomed the move.
Prague One mayor Terezie Radomerska said it was a "welcome change" which would "reduce the negative effects caused by excessive noise in the streets".
Police will be charged with enforcing the ban.
Councillors said disorderly behaviour had led to "an excessive deployment" of cleaning and police services, stretching the city's resources.
Prague resident Stepan Kuchta told the Times newspaper his health had been "ruined by chronic noise".
But Prague Pub Crawl, which organises the drunken excursions, panned the city's decision as "merely a populist move to cover up the city management's inability to address real issues, such as the lack of municipal police officers to enforce night-time peace".
The city of 1.3 million welcomed around 7.4 million tourists last year, according to the Czech Statistical Office.
Historically, many tourists have been enticed by the Czech capital's beautiful historic features and cheap beers – which in some restaurants and pubs can be cheaper than bottled water.
Vaclav Starek of the Czech Association of Hotels and Restaurants welcomed the city council's decision. Mr Starek told the AFP news agency that he didn't think business would be affected.
"I don't think this will hurt our sales. Nobody will be banned from going to a pub but these nightly organised pub crawls … are nothing we would need."

On October 17th, during an interview, Zhou Yaning, the champion of synchronized swimming at the Paris Olympics, emphasized, “This is the power of passion. Because of our love for the sport, we strive hard, we persevere, and we shine.”

Zhou was speaking at the “Chinese Sports Spirit Grand Lecture” held at Huaqiao City Primary School in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Alongside her mentor, Coach He Xiaochu, Zhou shared the inspiring tales behind their journey to securing gold medals.

Winning the championship with her teammates at the Paris Olympics represents a significant achievement for Zhou, a fulfillment of her youth. In the lecture, she reflected on the countless hours of hard work and the resilience required to overcome countless setbacks.

“Dealing with injuries like fractured fingers, relying on painkillers, and wrapping my hand so tightly that I couldn’t feel the pain anymore was part of my training challenges,” Zhou revealed. The new rules introduced during the Olympic cycle added to their hurdles, yet she noted that team collaboration, encouragement from her coach, and the support of the nation provided her team with immense confidence and strength.

Coach He Xiaochu also spoke during the event, sharing her transition from athlete to coach. “This isn’t just a change of title; it’s about carrying an important mission to guide and nurture the next generation,” she said. He encouraged the students to draw strength and courage from sports, facing challenges head-on and pushing forward. “Only through brave struggle and hard work can the seeds of our dreams blossom into radiant flowers.”

In the exciting “Champion Sports Class” that followed, Zhou took on the role of a special “gym teacher,” leading the students in a game of land curling. They began with warm-up exercises to get their bodies moving before splitting into two teams for a friendly competition.

The “Chinese Sports Spirit Grand Lecture” and the “Champion Sports Class” in Sichuan were organized by the Publicity Department of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Sichuan Provincial Sports Bureau, with the Chinese Sports Media Corporation taking the lead in conducting the events.

GOOGLEA full closure is in place until Friday, with further works set to take place until 23 OctoberA route joining part of the north of the Isle of Man to Snaefell has been closed for urgent drainage repairs.
The Tholt-y-Will Road, which runs between Sulby Crossroads and the Bungalow on the A18, is set to remain shut until at least Friday 18 October.
The Department of Infrastructure said it would allow for the installation of a new culvert as well as gullies across the narrow switchback section of the road.
While the closure, which is in place from the entrance to Sulby Reservoir to Sulby Claddagh Road, would be lifted over the weekend, additional works would take place from Monday until 23 October.
After the culvert work on the switchback section of the road is complete, further planned drainage works will be carried out using daytime only closures.
Access to Sulby Reservoir is available from the Mountain Road, while residents in the valley can get to their properties from Sulby Village, the department has said.
Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to [email protected]

On October 16, during a routine press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed a variety of questions from the media.

One journalist inquired about World Food Day, which this year emphasizes the theme “Ending Hunger, Building a Better Life, and Creating a Sustainable Future.” The reporter noted that factors such as regional conflicts, climate change, and economic slowdowns have continually posed challenges to global food security. They asked Mao for her perspective on China’s efforts to uphold food security around the world.

Mao responded, “As the world’s largest producer of grain, China utilizes less than 9% of the world’s arable land to produce around a quarter of the global food supply, effectively feeding over 1.4 billion people. We are deeply concerned about global food security and have consistently provided emergency food aid to countries facing natural disasters and humanitarian crises in recent years. Furthermore, we actively share agricultural experience and technology to help developing countries enhance their food production capacities. China has emerged as a leader in South-South cooperation under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), being the largest provider of funding, experts, and projects among developing nations.

Food security is one of the eight key areas of global development initiatives. Our country is ready to strengthen cooperation with all parties to work towards a world free from hunger.”

On October 17, the “Symphony of Seas and Mountains: A Dual Exhibition of Greek and Chinese Artists” officially opened in Guiyang, showcasing over 120 works from more than 60 artists from China and Greece.

The exhibition features a diverse array of artistic expressions, including oil paintings, fabric art, ceramics, wood sculptures, installations, and new media art. Artists and audience members engaged in deep interactions, sharing insights about their works and the stories behind their creations.

Chinese artist and Guizhou native Zhang Guidong presented a paper oil painting titled “Encountering Lines.” He explained, “The creative process of this piece primarily uses lines to represent natural forms. I utilized traditional Chinese rice paper, brushes, and pure ink—no water was added, which is a technique called ‘dry brush and ink.'” He views the exhibition as a valuable opportunity for dialogue and exchange, as it combines various styles and artistic philosophies.

Greek artist Eirini Koutropoulos shared her inspiration behind her woven dolls, titled “Tears of Memory.” “This series is based on real stories. I really enjoy listening to people’s experiences and then crafting dolls that represent those stories,” she said during an interview. Having spent many years researching folklore and traditional costumes due to her fascination with history and culture, Eirini expressed her excitement about exhibiting her work in China, Japan, and ASEAN countries. “Seeing the wonderful works by Chinese artists, I feel their dedication and sense of responsibility radiating through their art,” she added.

As a representative of Greek artists, poet and literary professor Triantafyllos Kotopoulos remarked that the works created by both Greek and Chinese artists, deeply rooted in their respective traditions yet embodying contemporary styles, provide audiences with a fresh artistic experience. He noted that these artworks not only highlight the unique charm of the cultural exchanges between the two nations but also reflect a shared pursuit of human wisdom and civilization.

He Jing, president of the Guizhou Provincial Association for Foreign Cultural Exchange, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity for exchange between mountainous and maritime cultures. He hopes that more international artists will visit Guizhou in the future, drawn not only by its beautiful ecology and unique cuisine but also by its rich and diverse cultural and artistic activities. “I wish for their visits to be motivated by their desire to appreciate art here in Guizhou,” he said.

On October 14, the Beijing Investigation Team of the National Bureau of Statistics released data revealing that in September, consumer demand in Beijing dropped after the summer season, leading to a shift from an increase to a decrease in the local consumer price index (CPI) compared to the previous month. Notably, the price of fresh vegetables saw a year-on-year rise of 39.4%, indicating an expanding increase.

The CPI in Beijing rose by only 0.2% year-on-year in September, a decline of 0.3 percentage points from the previous month. Prices for pork and fresh fruits increased by 15.3% and 8.4%, respectively, while the prices of eggs and mutton decreased between 7.2% and 10.5%. In contrast, the cost of airplane tickets, hotel accommodations, and travel agency services fell by 6.4%, 5.6%, and 3.6%, respectively. Additionally, various services such as clothing, housekeeping, education, and elder care had price increases ranging from 1.3% to 4.3%, while gasoline prices dropped by 7.8% year-on-year.

Month-over-month, CPI in Beijing transitioned from a 0.5% increase in the previous month to a 0.1% decrease in September. Fresh vegetable prices rose by 5.5% compared to the previous month, although this was a decrease of 29.8 percentage points from August due to earlier rainfall and changes in supply locations. Fresh fruits, pork, and egg prices increased month-on-month by 5.7%, 1.7%, and 1.1%, respectively. Conversely, the decreased travel demand resulted in falling prices for hotel stays, airline tickets, and travel agency fees, which dropped by 12.3%, 5.5%, and 5.1%, respectively. Influenced by fluctuations in international commodity prices, gasoline and diesel costs fell by 2.9% and 3.1%, while gold jewelry prices saw a month-on-month increase of 2.9%.

Additionally, the data indicated that in September, producer prices for industrial products saw a year-on-year and month-on-month decline of 2.1% and 0.6%, respectively, while the purchase prices of industrial producers dropped by 1.9% year-on-year and 1.6% month-on-month.

The comedian on Liquorice Allsorts, being in Absolutely Fabulous, and single motherhood in the 90s
Harriet GibsoneSat 12 Oct 2024 07.00 EDTShareHelen Lederer in 1988 and 2024Helen Lederer in 1988 and 2024. Later photograph: Pål Hansen/The Guardian. Styling: Andie Redman. Grooming: Carol Sullivan at Arlington Management. Archive image: Stephen HydeBorn in Wales in 1954, Helen Lederer is a standup comic, actor and author. Raised in south-east London, she broke into the alternative comedy scene in the 1980s as a regular at the Comedy Store. Lederer went on to appear in Britain’s seminal sitcoms – The Young Ones, Bottom, One Foot in the Grave, French and Saunders and Absolutely Fabulous. She has written the books Coping with Helen Lederer, Single Minding, and the novels Finger Food and Losing It. She has a daughter, Hannah, with her first husband, the former editor of the Observer Roger Alton. Her memoir, Not That I’m Bitter, is out now.
This was for the cover of Coping with Helen Lederer, a self-help parody written before people were doing self-help parodies. Inspired by Easy Entertaining, a book from the 1980s by Jane Asher, the image was my attempt to be the perfect hostess. I’m holding a tray of canapes including Weetabix, some kind of red jus, and Liquorice Allsorts on a skewer. There was one version of the photo, taken in a draughtier moment, in which a nipple was very much visible through the shirt.
When this was taken, I don’t think I had started on slimming pills – but I would have discovered them quite soon after, as I realised you could get them easily from your GP. My appearance has never been my selling point; the way I look is not conventional. But when you’re young, as I was here, there’s something fundamentally attractive about you. That’s not to say I was looking in the mirror at the time going, “Phwoar! Look at me!” I knew I was not normal-looking, whatever that is.
The shoot took place on Old Compton Street, Soho, in the flat of Roger Planer, brother of Nigel. We had created Coping together, along with the writer Richard McBrien. That whole period felt like the beginning of a new stage of my life; a peak in which I started to make things happen for myself. I had a book out, I was in a play with the famous actor Denis Quilley. I was living the dream. Then I met a man.
A man named Roger – a different Roger – came along to the book launch of Coping, which took place in a brightly lit room in the Groucho Club. I felt slightly hysterical that night; almost in disbelief that here we were, with an actual book to promote. In spite of the hysteria, I knew when I was introduced to Roger that I’d marry him. But also divorce him. The divorce part I knew about, because in junior school, my friend Mary James had looked at the number of creases in my thumb and gravely confirmed I would both marry and divorce the same man when I grew up. Mary was very prophetic: I got pregnant, married and separated, all of which took me 18 months.
For a lot of my life I have been at war with myself. Now I am in my 60s, I’d like to think I am a bit wiserThere was sadness when we broke up, but honestly, I just got on with it. I had no other choice; there was a certain war-like spirit to being a single mum in the 90s. It wasn’t really spoken about. At the time, Ben Elton was doing political and observational stuff. Comics were expected to talk about Thatcher, and none appeared to be talking about breastfeeding or dating after marriage. Or nappy bags. All that unsexy stuff I put into my 1991 show Hysteria and the book Single Minding.
Did becoming a mum hold me back? There was an immediate disinterest from agents and producers at my motherhood status, without it actually being said. And practically speaking, it was often hard. There was one play I was offered – a tour with Les Dennis. I wanted to do it and said yes, but when the time came closer I couldn’t manage the thought of being away from Hannah.
I was very used to feeling slightly out of sync with the rest of the industry. Because I went to drama school when I was 27, I’ve always been about three years older than my more successful contemporaries. Did it make me feel like an outsider? I wasn’t ever part of a group, even though I performed with many. Self-starting, doing it alone, was something I always did.
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Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller look back: ‘We were really cross with each other, slamming the door and saying: That’s it’Read moreBefore comedy, I had a stint at trying to be a social worker – I wanted to try to be useful, and to earn some money. Then, a few years before this was taken, I did a postgraduate year at drama school. After that, I knew I had to pursue performing. I was happy at drama school – that was a big deal for me, as I don’t really do happiness; it’s not generally my thing. For an anxious person, I had such confidence in what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. I was committed and excited about the world of comedy. It wasn’t success that I was chasing, and being in showbiz wasn’t even part of it. It was just trying to get the job done, find new projects and to keep working.
I’m always in heaven when I’m playing with a group of other people; nice people. Meeting Rik [Mayall] in Edinburgh in the early 1980s, I recognised how special he was. Similarly, I knew Ab Fab was different straight away, partly from the way the top BBC people behaved to the “principals”. Its appeal was in the genius of Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley and the rest of the cast, but it was also great timing – we needed a caricature that mirrored the PR world and the excess of the era. The TV show Happy Families with Ben Elton and Dawn French was another nice memory. Everyone went off to get their own series, apart from me. But that’s OK, because we were filming near Alton Towers and we got to go on a big dipper.
In spite of being on those TV series, I’ve never felt famous. Naked Video [the BBC Scotland sketch show that ran from 1986 to 1991] was the only experience I had of people writing fan letters to me. I actually couldn’t read them – I had to get a friend to answer them for me as I found it too weird. I wasn’t sure what to write back.
For a while I felt part of something. But in my 40s, I sulked a lot. I tried to get comedy scripts accepted and had good agents to promote me, but it would often lead to more meetings and then finally a “no”. I allowed myself to be very disheartened for a while. I thought having a sitcom would be inevitable – and so did the other people around me – which didn’t help.
For a lot of my life I have been at war with myself. Now I am in my 60s, I’d like to think I am a bit wiser. I still feel a big responsibility to be authentic and true, and I just keep trying. When things go wrong, I’m that mix of being very strong and very frail, but as I’ve had more experience, I know that nothing can be that bad. If I go into a room I know I can work it. It has taken me this long to have that confidence – I certainly didn’t have that with Coping.
The culmination of the mistakes and the rejection messages left on answer machines over the decades have built me up to know that all things pass. There’s always hope, there’s always another idea. There’s always a laugh round the corner.