So that inquisitorial gladiator of UK television, Jeremy Paxman, has once again come out of his corner swinging. His latest target: the tie, an “utterly useless part of the male wardrobe”, according to his BBC blog. Time to do away with the thing, he wrote, a post that inspired 325 responses as well as a declaration of support from his fellow broadcasting grandee, Jon Snow, who announced he likewise felt the garment had “no future”.

This was particularly startling, given that Mr Snow has made a personal signature out of his choice in neckwear. What could be behind the change in affiliation?