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In the UK, the BBC has a radio channel that is predisposed to airing important current affairs featuring argumentative interviews with politicians insistent on not answering any questions and instead peddling their own distorted interpretation of reality - it’s called “Radio 4″.

In the early evening, a great number of Radio 4’s listeners are vehicle-bound commuters, making their weary way home. The Radio 4 news marathon starts in earnest at 5pm and continues for 90 minutes until 6:30pm when the importance of global wrangling is put to one side, and half an hour of lighter entertainment begins, enabling daddies, mummies, husbands and wives to arrive home with a less furrowed brow!

In the moments between the news ending and the next programme being announced there is a short Schroedinger’s pause, where all the possible following programmes exist in equal probability of being aired. During that period, I’ve never once hoped for anything but I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue.

In millions of cars, in many thousands of commuter traffic jams, over many many years, the welcoming monologue of the show’s host, Humphrey Lyttleton, has never once failed to crack through the countless grey immovable faces of travel tedium and raise the warmest smile.

Humph was taken ill last week and died this morning. In life, is impeccable comedic timing was rare. He specialised in the silly and the unexpected, giving just enough opportunity to appreciate the gravity or sincerity of his sentiments, before deftly revealing a surprise ending. He’ll be missed for all the right reasons. Thanks for the laughter Humph.