Two of the world's largest book publishers are in talks to create a new market leader designed to wrestle back leadership of the industry from the technology interlopers Apple and Amazon.

Rant

It is difficult to imagine these days, but, not very long ago, people would deposit litter on the streets without care or reproach, dog mess would be left on the pavement, and smokers would strike up without any consideration for their fellow citizens.

1. Towns granted city status to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Unimaginable but true, Nigella Lawson, the prima donna assoluta of foodie porn, the doe-eyed, brown-haired, pink-sweatered doyenne of spatula and mixing bowl, the flirty sexpot of pot-roast and pavlova, hit 50 in January. The fall of years has not diminished her infinite gorgeousness by a jot or tittle, sprig or teaspoon, but some pretenders have been waiting in the wings, groomed by publishers and TV producers to take over the goddess's mantle.

That's showbiz

"It was the most unpleasant thing that has ever happened to me while filming – having my undercarriage dealt with by gaffer tape."

Andrew Marr dons a vintage bathing suit for the filming of A History of Modern Britain

The BBC executive Alan Yentob hit out at the corporation's critics and attacked ministers for trying to interfere in its affairs.

You may have noticed a story in other papers today about high saturated fat in recipes by the likes of Rick Stein, Nigella Lawson and other chefs.

You're right: this chill January morning isn't the most sensitively chosen of dates to start banging on about booze. But at least it's a topic those of you who enjoyed seven tipples too many last night will feel a certain kinship with, albeit one of complete revulsion if you haven't had a cup of coffee yet (if you're thinking of giving up caffeine as part of a New Year's health kick, may I recommend waiting until tomorrow? Ditto carbs).

The beauteous Nigella Lawson is one of the few celebrity chefs who doesn’t rate a mention in one of this year’s coolest cookbooks, In At The Deep End, from Hampshire’s Botley School.

Jamie Oliver is beating Nigella Lawson in the battle for the best-selling cookbook this Christmas, a retailer said today.

What does the goggle box of delights have in store for us over Christmas?