Figmentaton

Radio 4 this morning announced the cure for grey hair.

Well that's what we always think in our minds when somebody has discovered a relevant gene.

And okay, the gene only applied to South Americans but what the hell!

Maybe a very fine nibbed pen could stick a few highlights on it anyway.

If you don't yet know the format of the Today programme - two people get invited to bat it out for 2 or 3 min.

So who do you get?

Well in this case, you get the scientist behind the research. 

And some old dear from Saga.

Up first, the scientist carefully explained about finding the gene behind the pigment.

And the riposte from the old dear from Saga followed

"With it being melatonin, the scientist might well be able to cure grey hair but perhaps nobody would get any sleep".

"Not melatonin.... melanin", he gently corrected, with the tone of voice that seemed to recommended a Rich Tea biscuit and an episode of Call the Midwife before bed.

She also noted the unfairness of men getting even sexier as the Silver Fox years approach. It was almost enough to make me cancel my Just For Men subscription.

Almost.