Emma Barnett could win back lapsed Woman’s Hour fans: LIBBY PURVES reviews Radio 4 presenter’s debut

The show started with a message from the Queen and ended with her latest impersonator, as The Crown’s Imelda Staunton admitted she practises her royal voice on the dog. We had Spice Girl Mel C singing, a sacked special adviser and Richard Ratcliffe, whose wife Nazanin is still imprisoned in Iran, telling us how their … Read more

Radio 4 presenter Libby Purves says BBC stations are becoming ageist and sexist

Radio 4 presenter Libby Purves says BBC stations are becoming ageist and sexist as bosses don’t want ‘grey and stout’ women on the radio By Eleanor Sharples Tv & Radio Reporter For The Daily Mail Published: 01:56 BST, 22 September 2020 | Updated: 01:56 BST, 22 September 2020 The BBC won’t let female radio presenters … Read more

Is it just me? Or is a silenced salon a joy? asks LIBBY PURVES

Is it just me? Or is a silenced salon a joy? asks LIBBY PURVES National Hair & Beauty Federation advises staff not to chat when salons reopen Libby Purves argues the arrival of the silent salon in the UK might be a blessing She’s only had two hairdressers who’ve genuinely enjoyed chatting Here’s how to … Read more

In days like these, what joy to have Enid Blyton back on TV, writes LIBBY PURVES 

Oh, to be twelve years old in a straw hat and blazer, hugging dull, tidily dressed parents goodbye and chugging westward with your lacrosse stick on a steam train to go to a school in a castle! To feast at midnight, to dream of making the first team and to dodge Matron’s ferocity by hastily … Read more

In days like these, what joy to have Enid Blyton back on TV, writes LIBBY PURVES 

Oh, to be twelve years old in a straw hat and blazer, hugging dull, tidily dressed parents goodbye and chugging westward with your lacrosse stick on a steam train to go to a school in a castle! To feast at midnight, to dream of making the first team and to dodge Matron’s ferocity by hastily … Read more