relaxing with my Mum, cooking for us both, unwrapping LOADS of presents (thanks to all friends) and generally taking it easy.
Also, my (wrongful) prison sentence came to an end. Today I am a free man, punishment (for crimes I never commited) over, parole finished, probation finished...
Which means I can travel, behave outrageously again and fire on all cylinders.
Seven years for doing things I didn't do in a continent I wasn't on?
Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Excellent news, JK. Congratulations! Must admit, I thought there was still a year or so on your sentence. JK firing on all cylinders again. The world had better look out!

I must say you have treated what must have been a terrible personal nightmare with great dignity throughout. Next step getting your name cleared. About time your lawyers sorted that out, I'd say.

As an annual visitor to the Eurovision Song Contest, I can speak on behalf of countless people in saying it would be a great pleasure to see you there again this year, or some time soon at least.

Get down here for dinner now old bean! And congratulations!

x

Thank you Anthony - I don't think the word "dignity" has ever been connected to me before!

Sentences - you become available for Parole at the half way mark (though very few get it) and everyone's sentence expires at the 3/4 (or is it 2/3?) point.

Anyway, my time served ended yesterday.

As for Eurovision, I just wish the BBC had the brains and the bollocks to bring me back in to find our UK representative and revive the fortunes of the contest. When I took over in 1995, it was in danger of being cancelled. By 1998, when we hosted it as the previous winners, it was once again the top rated special of the year.

Now it's all falling apart and being considered a freak show again.

By the way, wasn't Dima Bilan brilliant for Russia? Didn't you love the swan emerging from the piano?

You don't need to tell me about your contribution to UK Eurovision. It is a frequent topic of conversation with many of my friends. I hope the BBC will bring you back to front our Eurovision campaign but do I think they have the bollocks to do it? Fat chance!

Yes, I loved Dima Bilan. The stage performance was described to me as gimmicky and over the top but as soon as I saw it in rehearsals, I knew the song would do well. An excellently staged and totally credible pop song.

There's plenty of life in the contest, but not for the UK unless the BBC changes its outlook.

Thanks again Anthony!

congrats on your freedom:)