PETER Luff took heart this week when Jerry Springer weighed in to the debate about the controversial opera based on his TV programme.

The American chat show host said that he personally didn't approve of Jerry Springer - The Opera, screened earlier this month by the BBC to widespread hysteria.

"I wouldn't have written it. I don't believe in making fun of other religions," Springer said on a visit to London.

But if this represented a success for the MP for mid-Worcestershire - who called on director general Mark Thompson to pull the show - the Corporation was showing no signs of defeat.

Later in the week, children's BBC presenters Dick and Dom - whose website was last week savaged in the Commons as "lavatorial" by Mr Luff - were given a promotion.

Dick and Dom In Da Bungalow, brought to mainstream prominence in the ensuing row (among seven to 13 year-olds), is now to be followed up with an early evening quiz show featuring the pair.

"It will offer viewers of all ages, from teenagers to grandparents, a quirky and entertaining start to their evening," said a BBC controller.

I can hear the groans already.