This may not be the funniest thing I’ve ever reported on… and nor does really have the legs to enable me to crowbar some arse jokes in… but you need to know all the same. Basically, almost all calls to premium rate BBC lines will cost a maximum of 15p under a new cap. Naturally, this news comes on the back of the controversy and fines surrounding misleading phone-ins.

Shows directly related to charity appeals such as Comic Relief and Children in Need, which have also charged more for calls, are the only ones not subject to the new cap. Director general Mark Thompson said: “BBC programmes do not make money from premium rate calls and we’ve always told viewers and listeners the costs of calling to enter competitions or to vote. But I want this to be even clearer. In future, audiences can be clear that these calls will be capped at 15 pence unless they are directly related to a charity appeal. I do understand that this will mean that slightly less money will go to the charities as a result of the new policy, but we’re already talking to them about other ways of supporting their work.”