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Andrew Marr Show
allhitradio
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Did anyone else see James Bowen on the Andrew Marr Show this morning? Is it just me, or did he look totally off his face on who knows what?
He's the former homeless busker who wrote 'A Street Cat Named Bob' about how caring for a stray cat changed his life, helped him get off drugs and make something of his life. Well, he appeared to be pretty out of it, if you ask me. He was slurring his words and waving his arms around all over the place, whilst going on about how much of a reformed character he now is. Even the cat looked uncomfortable. The whole interview was a train wreck and there didn't even seem to be a reason for him to be on the programme.
I imagine he's not been spending the money he's made from all those book sales on fruit juice, organic vegetables and luxury cat food. I know it seems awful to say this, but I really can't see this charade of sobriety holding up much longer. A true victim of his own success.
He's the former homeless busker who wrote 'A Street Cat Named Bob' about how caring for a stray cat changed his life, helped him get off drugs and make something of his life. Well, he appeared to be pretty out of it, if you ask me. He was slurring his words and waving his arms around all over the place, whilst going on about how much of a reformed character he now is. Even the cat looked uncomfortable. The whole interview was a train wreck and there didn't even seem to be a reason for him to be on the programme.
I imagine he's not been spending the money he's made from all those book sales on fruit juice, organic vegetables and luxury cat food. I know it seems awful to say this, but I really can't see this charade of sobriety holding up much longer. A true victim of his own success.
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But usually on breakfast chat shows - not a serious political programme which is what I thought the Marr Show used to be.
And what was Lenny Henry doing there? I switched off pretty sharply at that point.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/theatre-review-fences--lenny-henrys-towering-performance-further-proves-his-status-as-a-serious-actor-8674785.html
The programme has always had a wider remit than just political guests and stories, moving into the arts as well.
James is just an ordinary guy who has been thrust into the limelight because of the success of the books, he is actually quite shy and gets very nervous when doing TV appearances.
I follow his Facebook page and he said that Lenny Henry had been very good at helping him to calm his nerves. He may have seemed very animated and 'off his face' as you inferred but I think it was just his enthusiasm at the success of the books and his love of Bob.
The interviewer had obviously done little research and should have asked him more about the 3rd book due out this week and his involvement in charities, Blue Cross in particular as he is very proud of what has been raised.
He should also have asked about the gold medal Bob was wearing as I am sure most viewers would have liked to know why Bob had it round his neck.
I feel you are being very judgemental about someone you don't know and I can assure you his thousands of followers on twitter and Facebook would disagree with you.
I hope you're right. It's just that I don't recall him quite so all over the place, in his early interviews when the first book was published. But this appearance and one a few weeks ago on BBC Breakfast make me wonder if he still has a problem. That's all. You seem to know a lot about him and I hope you're right.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2351173/Andrew-Marr-tells-time-died--twice.html
Sophie Raworth did a good job when I saw her interviewing some slippery politicians
I'm not sure he'll ever be back will he?
It seems that he wants to return (but obviously the weekday treatment that he is having for his left arm & leg needs to end first), and the BBC are apparently standing by him.
Has any presenter had a similar problem & come back to their show full time at a later date?
Can't think of anyone offhand.
No 2 strokes are the same, however Monty Don returned to Gardner's World after a couple of years. I know its not like comparing apples with apples because the Marr show is live, but people can bounce back. The first weeks and months after a stroke are critical in terms of rehab!
I think Vine was a bit scared of him!
Re the show, I'd rather Marr didn't return because he, like all of his stand-ins, is just a BBC lacky for the government. We need a presenter who's not afraid to ask the difficult questions and demand answers.
Andrew claims he has become a nicer person since his stroke less self absorbed.
I liked Vine when he first took over the radio show but over the last 2-3 years he seems to be increasingly bonkers. Just irritating now.
As an aside, Marr is freelance, which might possibly affect whether the BBC continues to pay him of course.
Yes, I was impressed with the way tht she handled a few of the political guests, not letting them get way with "politicians' answers".
I have not suggested the BBC has not been sympathetic but I doubt stand-ins can still be presenting the programme in a year's time.
Would you like the same thing to be said about your job in a year's time had you suffered the same medical issue?
Our local postie had a stroke, and he was off his round for around a year before taking on light duties in the sorting office, then progressing to a partial round and then to a full round.