Here, the Government's new pledge to 11- to 16-year-olds - that they will be entitled to study cookery from 2008 and learn healthy eating habits - comes into play. In Hull, where healthier dinners were introduced a few years ago, there was an initial fall in the number of children eating them - but, in the longer term, the strategy has been successful. That shows that the actual introduction of the new nutritional standards has to go hand in glove with an education campaign to explain to youngsters why they should engage with them. The main question mark, though, is whether schools will be able to persuade enough children to eat the healthier dinners rather than leave the premises at lunchtime or bring in packed lunches Here Johnson was realistic.
Its plans bore fruit this week with the introduction of new nutritional standards - which mean every meal should include two vegetables and there will be a reduction in fattier foods. Diplomatically, too, Alan Johnson, the Education Secretary, sought to praise the role of the TV chef in placing the spotlight on the state of school dinners rather than - as Ruth Kelly had done - trying to take the credit himself. "But I'm not sure a man in his position should wear a thong..."Extras begins on BBC2 on 14 September. The Government deserves much credit for embracing Jamie Oliver's campaign for healthier school dinners.
Merchant muses, "I suppose people want to see pictures of Kate Lawler rather than Jonathan Miller on the beach...""Although he has got excellent legs," Gervais interjects."Yes," ripostes Merchant, unwilling to be bested. As I head for the exit from Pinewood, behind me the pair are still rapping away Now they are discussing the boom in celebrity magazines. That's when you blow it."I'm very careful about what I accept. I've resisted things that are fun because I'm very aware of the amount of goodwill you're dealt. I don't not do panel games because they're beneath me, but because I'm wary of people getting fed up of the sight of me."I'd love to do QI or Have I Got News for You. But what's the best that can happen if I appear on one of those shows? I have a great day.