Stuart Jeffries’ review of BBC One’s MasterChef: Battle of the Critics (28 December) is such a masterly piece of observation that I thought the late Clive James was still with us. His skewering of William Sitwell’s use of “literally” literally made me laugh my Jackson Pollocks off. No, it literally did, and no rhyming slang here, because they’re limited edition Crocs, based on the artist’s studio floor, and they did fall off.
Mat Watkinson
Scarborough, North Yorkshire
I’d love to know “what TV to devour in 2024”. Unfortunately, of the 25 programmes listed in the print version of your article (What’s On, 30 December), 12 are on streaming platforms and five are on Sky; only eight are on the BBC or Channel 4, and none on ITV. How much would I have to pay in order to watch these programmes?
Gordon Glassford
Corby, Northamptonshire
“Putting the proper legislation in place so that people can have full confidence in the safety…” reminds me of the legislation to pronounce Rwanda safe! Forgive me if l can’t trust the transport secretary (Self-driving cars could be on UK roads by 2026, says transport secretary, 27 December).
Deirdre Burrell
Mortimer, Berkshire
I often think one of the triggers for dementia (Report, 26 December) is that just when we are often at our most interesting, others are least interested in us – a great pity.
John Rushton
Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire
Unless my eyes were deceiving me, last Friday I saw hot cross buns next to mince pies on a shelf in my local Co-op.
Jon Gray
Taunton, Somerset
