[Romantic Old Bird]

The sad truth is that some people use and abuse their position in society to behave disgracefully. I suspect it was ever thus, but in the past, the system protected people in power. Now the tabloids (bless them) and serial relationship survivors with autobiographies to sell like Ulrika are here to make sure we miss nothing.

Sometimes of course, and often devastatingly for the people involved, the 'facts' are scurrilous.

Now I don't believe anyone should have to live as a saint because they are high profile. I think there is however an inherent responsibility not to behave abysmally and with absolutely no regard for the thoughts and feelings of others, when you are in a position of power and influence.

If the allegations about the former presenter mentioned are true, then he thoroughly deserves his very public come-uppance.

There is an issue about the gullibility of members of the public who find celebrities sexually irresistable, I mean, even Tim Culley supposedly had groupies after him following BB3, Yeuch! In one of the Sunday tabloids there was a report from a girl who was 17 at the time of her alleged liaison and she was undoubtedly with him solely because of who he was.

However a gentleman/lady would never take advantage of their situation.

It's one thing presenting a false image, but peversely the broadcasting authorities etc do not reward honesty either. Remember when Jessica (now from Liberty X) sealed her own fate on Popstars by owning up to smoking pot in the past? Everyone else kept stum, and I'd hazard a guess that the majority had done the same. But they couldn't be seen to take her in as part of the final line up after that. (They consequently made the disastrous choice of Kym Marsh, - gobby, feisty, and trouble written all the way through her).

And back on Blue Peter- the old stomping ground of Mr Leslie - Richard Bacon made a similar admission, and was summarily 'let go' from his contract.

Not to mention the original legendary 'Blue' peter Duncan, who was found to have previously appeared in porn films a la 'Boogie Nights'...........

So, what happens?

We are left with the public, scrubbed faces of 'squeaky clean' presenters and performers. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, it's Cheech and Chong.