With his impeccable manners, he brought an air of distinction to our scruffy
Job – until he escaped with Les Misérables
Oh no, not Herbie! He brought such a touch of distinction to the scruffy job of TV critic. Having breakfasted on a croissant at Harrods, he would join the rest of the TV critics in the Run Run Shaw theatre at Bafta. One of us would be asleep. The rest would be waking up. Herbie alone looked as if he had strolled in on his way to the club. He dressed for success. The trench coat was Aquascutum. The umbrella Burberry. If he had worn a scarf, it would have been apricot. Dammit, he smoked a cigar, having first courteously asked if I – being the only woman present and, possibly, a lady – minded.
Related: Herbert Kretzmer obituary