Have you noticed that when you get older, things happen earlier than they used to? Emmm, no, not that, thank you.

This is a family paper. Birthdays - they happen far earlier than I'd like. Christmas... there's another. Satiation from drink - work that one out. I still am. Hitting the 'burn' when you're exercising, now that does hurt, especially when I think about two London marathons I ran.

A distant dream to do that again, I think. Look North - now there's another unexpected early-starter, as of next Monday.

By a few minutes, that's all, but promise you'll tune in. It's all because the London chiefs, whom we all obey to the letter and deed (well, some of the time) are re-launching the Six O'Clock News on BBC1.

That's a television term for giving it a lick of paint. New presenter, new look. It's all so smart, I wonder how I'll fit in.

Anyhow, you'll see our ugly mugs a little more often because we, here on regional news, will keep popping up during the new Six O'Clock News. Has London finally realised how important we are? Then, we start up 'proper' just before 6.30, rather than just after.

Oh, do keep up. There have been so many rehearsals, we'll put this year's Royal Wedding to shame. And re-launches bring new music - that's always one to get you writing in.

But I, for one, like it. Mind you, fitting a headline over the beat (a music term, I'm told) has been a real test of effort, never mind professionalism.

At times, they've had to stop me saying something my boss would regret explaining to his boss, particularly when I reached rehearsal number 102. And just to clarify here, it's the London end of things which needs the rehearsing, thank you.

Actually, you should like it all. It's a friendlier feel, a warmer look, and one that fits in with the way we want news to be, the way you want it to be, the way it should be. I remember my first rehearsal for TV with Judith, the Brigadier. Boy was I scared, though whether it was of her or the camera I haven't a clue. I'd prepared for everything - loss of script, microphone, partner. Just not for what actually happened - my seat broke in two.

Also, you'll have to excuse me if I begin Look North with "Hello and welcome to the Superleague Show".

You see, my other new programme starts on Monday too (and for 23 Mondays after that, at 8pm on BBC2, if I'm allowed the plug).

The Superleague Show is a first for the Beeb, so do tune in! Never did I think I'd be associated with a programme on rugby league again, not after my previous 'merry' association with the sport. The hardest thing will be not to laugh at the names: Wakefield Warriors, London Broncos (please don't let me say Bucking Broncos, please).

Oh how it changed during my missionary work down South. I suppose that programme needs rehearsing too. I think I'll just place a call to the travel agents...

07/0599

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.