that tone, may have been to do with several factors, like reaction against BBC producer/director requiring a certain kind of performance from him compounded by issues with depression.

Did anyone see the Nevermind the Buzzcocks episode that had Bill on the panel? He seemed disorientated and ascerbic on that show and Simon (whatzizname) was taking the mickey. Was not a good show to watch. In fact the rest of series lost its charm for me from that one episode.

Now it may have all been planned and agreed, but I still didn't like it.