The nonpareils of Pauline

Dr Glenn Wilson (The Guide, June 4) is entitled to his opinion of Pauline Quirke's ability as an actress ("averagely talented"), but being a psychologist at the Institute of Psychiatry does not give that opinion greater authority than those of the millions of viewers who understandably believe that she has far greater talents. Indeed, they may well have better powers of observation as well, since Dr Wilson refers to Pauline in Maisie Raine as being "Sharon in a uniform", when the rest of us have noticed that she has been a plain clothes officer throughout.

Her major talents are instinctive timing, consistency, and truth in her performances. These are above average talents. I am not writing out of duty, but of a wish to defend someone who is a joy to work with, a joy to watch, and had a successful acting career long before Birds of a Feather.
Irving Teitelbaum
Co-executive producer, Maisie Raine, Fair Game Films

• Reading Peter Bazalgette's piece about how the BBC should spend its money (Here's how to splash the cash, May 24), I noted that he is creative director of GMG Endemol Entertainment, part-owned by the Guardian Media Group. Although his company is a supplier to the BBC - a fact not revealed - I did not, for one moment, suppose that his connections had any influence on what was published. That certainly goes for my ITN board membership and what the Daily Mail may write about the BBC's Six O'Clock News.
Roger N Gilbert
Managing director, Harmsworth Media