The Spectator has landed a genuine coup by signing up John Cleese to be its new contributing editor. His first piece will appear in this week's issue.
The press release announcing the decision raises a smile. The magazine's editor, Matthew d'Ancona, is quoted as saying: "In my book, John is the greatest living Englishman, and - amongst many other things - a brilliant writer, whose interests range far and wide. I am honoured that he has chosen The Spectator as his journalistic home."
Cleese adds: "I agree with Matthew and am grateful for his characteristic tone of understatement."
Lest anyone should suddenly think of Cleese in his Basil Fawlty role as the persecutor of the hapless Manuel, d'Ancona is not from Barcelona (his father was Maltese).
