Children who are old before their time
Scott heard from parents whose children had surprisingly grown-up interests.
A four-year-old loved Europe’s The Final Countdown, while a nearly seven-year-old was such a fan of Gardeners’ World that his family considered taking him to see Monty Don live.
Eight-year-old Stanley liked Chas & Dave, bow ties and knitted tank tops.
Producer Johnny remembered maintaining a cassette-tape pen friendship with somebody in Australia during the 1990s. Their grandfathers had been pen pals before them, and their daughters had now continued the connection.
The Birthday Game: Deacon Sue
Sue was a deacon and retail chaplain who supported shop workers experiencing pressure or personal difficulties.
She had appeared unsuccessfully on several television quizzes, including The Weakest Link and Tipping Point, but continued applying because she enjoyed the experience.
Sue turned 53 and hoped for the Killers, Elton John or Ed Sheeran.
Her first spin was Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s The Power of Love. Sue thought it was too downbeat and rejected it.
The second was the Jam’s farewell single Beat Surrender. She had never heard it and chose to gamble again.
Her compulsory third spin was Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud.
Sue was delighted and joked that the perfect result would prompt accusations that the game had been fixed.
Scott renamed her Deacon Sue in the style of Deacon Blue and sent the birthday balloon.
The Music Police
Matt remembered hearing an unidentified record in a relaxed coffee shop.
The force tested suggestions including Level 42, Yazoo, Sheena Easton, Bits and Pieces and MGMT’s Kids.
Matt rejected every one.
Scott said the final suggestions were far too rave-heavy for the setting he remembered.
The investigation became a cold case, leaving Matt’s mystery tune continuing to live rent-free in his head.
Scott apologised on behalf of the force and promised one final week of investigation before Christmas.
Handover
Scott remained in the studio to enjoy Sara Cox’s characteristically enthusiastic thanks to the news and travel teams.
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