John - I'm not in a position to pronounce on why a broadcaster like Mark R would or wouldn't take up a job offered to him. That's up to him and it may or may not be an advancement. But to suggest that he shouldn't take a job because of the circumstances of the replacement of his predecessor is not how the real world works.

My view - and I don't even listen to the damn programme - is simply to see what a hand he makes of it. As others have said, give the man a chance.