The Beeb, in its infinite wisdom, decided that a complete no talent could be taught 5-string to a high level within 4 months. Oh yes,this is the same organaisation investing megabucks in Doctor Who and its spin-offs. Perhaps that explains it.
Next time they decide to waste our money, they might like to take the trouble to find some unknown who would dearly love to master the instrument and who would be prepared to put the effort in.
To reach a decent standard with any instrument requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Thank gawd for Pete Stanley.

The idle and untalented Skinner should concentrate on his feeble comedy.