cancelled the trip to northern ireland. we have seen very little of her in those nine weeks. there have been some video audiences, conferences and that sort of thing. but of this, really, the christmas broadcast, is the first time we have had a chance to see her for face—to—face —— face—to—face in that sense. i think the planning for the platinumjubilee is proceeding but i think that there is this unknown element, because clearly, all her officials will now put her well—being, her health and well—being, her health and well—being, as the absolute priority, but we are told by buckingham palace that they are still proceeding with plans for the platinum jubilee, but she will be 96 in april of next year, so that, of course, is very much colouring all their thinking. nicholas witchell, as ever, thank you. the former england and yorkshire cricket captain ray illingworth has died. he was 89 and had been suffering from cancer. joe wilson on his life.