Good morning. It’s seven thirty. I’m Gary Fenton. Here is the news.
The Prime Minister is in the United States today......for talks with the American president at the White House. The talks are very important for British and American...

Look at the time!
Julia! It’s half past seven.
- Your train’s at quarter to eight. - Coming. Is this OK
Lovely, dear. Well, good luck. Thanks, Mum. Bye, Dad.
Bye, love. Colin. It’s her first day today.
What Oh yes. Thanks, Dad. Bye.
That’s £., please. - Here you are. - Thank you very much, thank
you. OK, bye. Bye.
- Excuse me. - Sorry.
- Morning, Ted. - Good morning, Tim.
- How are you - I’m fine, thanks. And you Good morning. Can I help you
Yes, Martha McKay, please. She’s the producer. That’s . What’s your name, please
Julia Drake. Hello. Miss Drake is at Reception.
Yes, all right. Mrs McKay is in ROOM . That’s on the second floor. - The lift is over there. - Thank you.
And what’s your address Tindall Street.
How do you spell Tindall T-I-N-D-A double L.
Thank you. And your postcode Can you repeat that, please KT NB.
And your telephone number .
Thank you, Ms Fossett. Goodbye. - Hello. I’m... - Julia! Welcome to Apex
TV. Come in. No, don’t come in.
This is my personal assistant, Rebecca Bond.
- How do you do, Rebecca. - Pleased to meet you.
Come and meet some of the people in the newsroom.
Is Frederick in He’s the Managing Director. No. He’s in London.
Oh, I see. Right. Well. Come on then, Julia.
That’s Tim Barnes over there. He’s a reporter. Tim, this is Julia. She’s our new trainee.
- Hi. - Hi. This is a very interesting story, Martha.
Look at this. - Tell me about it this afternoon. OK
- Sure. See you around, Julie. Julia.
Sorry My name isn’t Julie. It’s Julia.
Oh, right. And address has got two D’s.
What Address is A, double D.
Right. Thank you. Don’t mention it.
Who’s that young woman with Martha and Sean
Her name’s Julia. She’s a new trainee. Mmm. She’s very pretty.
Well, that’s everyone, I think. Tea or coffee
- Coffee, please. - Black or white Oh, white with no sugar, please.
Hello. You’re Julia, aren’t you Yes, and...
Pleased to meet you. I’m Gary. Nice to meet you, Gary. What do you do
I’m a newsreader. Oh yes! You’re Gary Fenton.
You’re my Mum’s favourite news reader. Here you are.
Hello, Gary. This is Julia. Er, yes, I know.
Anyway, I must be off. See you! He’s very nice.
Yes. Hi. I’m home.
Hello, dear. How’s your new job Tell me all about it.
It’s great. Everyone’s very friendly. Well, almost everyone.
No, I can’t make it today, Ellie... I haven’t got time.
I have to finish this programme and... Ellie Ellie!
Hi, Tim. Good morning, Julia. How nice to see you.
Martha, can we take a look at the diary for this week
Now Oh, yes, all right. Well, this morning you’re on the food
programme. Then this afternoon you’ve got a meeting
with Floyd and Hank. That’s at quarter to two.
Then tomorrow you’ve got an appointment at the dentist’s...
...in the morning at quarter past ten. Marvellous!
Then in the afternoon you’ve got a meeting with Frederick.
Oh no, sorry. He can’t make it. He has to go to Paris.
So is Tuesday afternoon free now No, you have to finish the Videocom report.
Oh, hi, Julia. Then on Wednesday morning you’re at the
Birmingham conference. - Martha. Can I have a word
- Yes, Tim. What is it I haven’t got an assistant for this afternoon...
...for the story about Carl Stalker. You know, the windows guy.
Oh yes. Well who have we got Ah, Chloe’s away. Gita’s on holiday...
...and everybody else is busy. But I have to have an assistant.
Can I do it Can I be your assistant, Tim That’s an idea.
She hasn’t got the experience, Martha. She has to learn.
And there’s nobody else. OK.
See you later. So what’s this job about "Wonderful Windows. Can you believe it "New windows for just £."
And who’s this guy Walker Stalker. Carl Stalker.
He’s the Managing Director of Wonderful Windows.
And he’s got his customers’ money... ...but they haven’t got their windows.
These are all letters from his customers. We have to leave at one thirty sharp.
Jason’s in trouble at school again. Who’s Jason
He’s my son. Oh, how many children have you got Two - a son and a daughter. What’s your daughter’s name Kylie. She’s . Jason’s . My wife Sharon...
OK Julia. Now you wait at the corner with one of these.
Stalker’s got a blue Jaguar. What does he look like
He’s quite tall. He’s got short, dark hair.
When you see him, call me. Tim. Tim. Here he is.
A blue Jaguar and... Oh no. It isn’t him. It’s a woman.
And it isn’t a Jaguar. Sorry. Wait. Yes. He’s here.
A blue Jag, registration number S ABW.
Great. OK. Get ready, Sean. Mr Stalker. I’m from Apex TV.
Can I ask you some questions What the... No, you can’t.
Where is your customers’ money, Mr Stalker I’ve got nothing to say.
Mr Stalker. You and your wife have got a big house...
...and an expensive car, but your customers have got nothing.
Where is their money, Mr Stalker Look. Go away and switch that thing off.
Where’s the money, Mr Stalker Clear off!
Are you all right, Sean Great. We’ve got him now.
How about a drink Oh, just a minute. What’s the time
It’s half past seven. Excuse me.
If that’s Tim, I’m not here. Hello
Hi, Rebecca. It’s Tim. Hi Tim. Er, Ellie’s not here.
Oh, well, can you video the football match for me
- I can’t get back in time. - Yes, OK. - Thanks, Rebecca. See you later. - Yes.
Bye, Tim. Ellie!
- Is Rebecca still at work - No, she’s at home.
Oh, are you and Rebecca... - See you at the usual place - Yeah,
see you there. Sorry. Are Rebecca and I...
Oh, nothing. Let’s go. Rebecca Bond speaking.
Good morning. This is Angus Moon from The Modern Woman
magazine. We’d like to do an article on the job of a personal assistant. Uh huh.
Martha McKay’s an old friend of mine... ...and she says that you are a wonderful
PA. Are you busy now Can I ask you a few
questions Well, yes, of course.
Great. First a few questions about you. What time do you get up in the morning
I always get up at seven o’clock. I have a shower and wash my hair.
I have breakfast at half past seven. Then I get dressed.
And what do you normally have for breakfast Breakfast Oh, I usually have a glass of orange juice... ...a grapefruit, two slices of toast one with butter and jam... ...and one with butter and marmalade.
And two cups of coffee. You’re very organized.
Well, you have to be for this job. And what do you do in your free time
I go to the gym three times a week... ...on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
On Thursday evening, I go to my dance class...
Oh, do you like dancing Yes, I do. I like cooking, too. And I
love going to parties. OK, Rebecca. Thank you very much.
But don’t you want to talk about my job Well, I have got one last question.
Um, do you know Gary Fenton Gary Yes, of course. He’s one of our
newsreaders... And he’s a very good newsreader, isn’t
he Gary! You...
Hey. It’s only a joke, Rebecca. Well, I don’t think it’s funny.
Now, I always come on at the end of the programme...
...and try the food and drinks. That’s the next bit. Is everything ready
I think so. Frederick’s on the phone, Martha. He’s
in New York. OK. Five minutes then, Julia.
Five minutes, Neil. Some salt in the lemonade.
And some chilli powder in the soup. Hello, Gary. Do you want to try it
Oh no. Martha always tries the food and drinks.
But, um, can I watch If you want to.
Ready, Martha OK. So, this is our lunch for a warm summer’s
day... ...a green salad, cheese with French
bread... ...cold tomato and onion soup, and home-made
lemonade. It’s time to try it.
No. Why don’t we make a change today Here in the studio today is everybody’s favourite newsreader, Gary Fenton. Would you like to try this delicious meal, Gary I bet you can’t wait to taste it.
Here. Try the home-made lemonade first. Isn’t that wonderful, Gary
Very nice. Now, what about this soup
A nice cold soup, eh Gary Come on, a big spoonful.
Well, that’s it for this week. I hope you enjoy your summer lunch as much as Gary. Bye. OK. What would you like
I’ll have a glass of white wine, please. Me, too.
Home-made lemonade for me, please, Gary. Very funny.
Just a joke, Gary. Just a joke. I’ll have a mineral water. I have to drive. - Ice and lemon - Yes please.
Oh, I must give Ellie a ring. Two glasses of white wine...
...a mineral water with ice and lemon, and a pint of lager.
- Who’s Ellie - Tim’s girlfriend.
Oh! Aren’t you Tim’s girlfriend Me No. Ellie’s my flatmate. Tim lives upstairs. Oh, I see. What does she do
She works in a HOTEL, so she works funny hours.
Here we are. Nice, cold drinks. No reply.
- Morning, Tim. - Morning, Ted. Oh dear. You look tired.
What time were you up this morning About four o’clock. There was an accident at the station. There weren’t any trains for five hours.
- Terrible. - Oh hi, Rebecca. Hi. Thanks Ted. What’s the date today,
Tim What Today’s date. What is it Er, it’s the fourth of October.
And what do you know about the fourth of October
It’s the day after the third of October Try again, Tim. Think of your girlfriend.
Oh no! It’s Ellie’s birthday. But I haven’t got her a card or a present
or anything. Excuse me! Oh, sorry!
Good afternoon, Julia. I know. I’m sorry. The trains were all
late. There was an accident at the station.
Is Martha annoyed Well, she isn’t pleased - this is the
second time this week. Yes, but it wasn’t my fault today.
And you were late last Thursday, too. Well, that’s it. I must find a flat in town. Are there any places in there
No, there aren’t. What about this Second floor flat - bedroom, living room, small kitchen and bathroom/WC.
Yes, but it’s £ a month. I can’t afford that.
No, I suppose not. You could try an agency. I haven’t got time.
Ask Martha for some time off this afternoon. Oh come on,Rebecca. I was late this morning, remember Well, try it.
Martha’s got a teleconference with Frederick all afternoon.
A teleconference Yes. Frederick’s in Tokyo.
Oh, so Martha doesn’t need me. So let me see - there’s the room and the kitchen... ...and the bathroom and the toilet are
in the hall. Yes, that’s right. You share them with the people upstairs. They’re very nice people.
And how much is it, Mr Jackson It’s only £ a week.
So are you interested Yes, definitely.
- The people upstairs - Uh, yes. Reception.
Any luck No. There isn’t anything.
Everything’s too far away, too expensive, too noisy, or just grotty.
Never mind. Look. Come to my place for a drink.
It’s a sort of surprise for Ellie’s birthday. OK.
Back in a minute. - This is a nice place, Rebecca. - Yes,
I like it. This is Ellie’s room. We’ve got this living room, a kitchen and the bathroom’s down the hall... ...next to my bedroom.
Where do you live, Gary I’ve got a flat just round the corner.
Gary’s got a lovely place. It’s on the top floor and it’s got a
great view. Tea, everyone
There’s a message on your answerphone. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Ellie.
Happy birthday to you. See you later. Love you. Bye.
Love you. Bye. You old romantic. Well, I think it’s very sweet, Tim.
Hi, Rebecca. It’s me... Sshh, everybody. It’s Ellie.
Hi, Rebecca. It’s me, Ellie. This is just to say goodbye.
I’m really sorry about this, but I’ve got a job in a HOTEL IN SAN FRANCISCO...
...and so... well... er... The rent for this month is on the dressing
table in my room. There’s a letter for Tim there, too.
Can you give it to him, please So, er... that’s it. Bye. Take care.
- Oh dear. Poor Tim. - Well, it was very strange.
I mean she wasn’t here last night... ...and then she wasn’t here this morning and... Look on the bright side.
You need a new flatmate now. Julia needs a room, so...
Gary! It’s all right, Julia. Gary’s right.
The room is yours, if you want it. - What Really - Yes, really.
Oh, thank you! That’s great. Wonderful! Oh, Tim. I’m sorry.
I’m sorry I’m late, Tim. I had to go to the police station about
Kylie and Jason. They... Not now, Sean. We need to go in five
minutes. What’s the matter with him today
- It’s Ellie. - Ellie - She’s gone. - Gone
- To the States. - To the States She left yesterday.
You see, yesterday was Ellie’s birthday. Tim, Gary, Julia and I went back to my
place for a birthday drink for Ellie. Ellie wasn’t there, but there was a message from her on the answerphone. She said that she had a new job in San
Francisco and well... goodbye. What did Tim do
He just walked out of the flat. He didn’t say a word.
It was all very sad and, well, embarrassing. We didn’t know what to do.
No wonder he’s in a bad mood. But it’s not all bad news, because Julia’s my new flatmate now. - Come on, Sean. We haven’t got all day.
- Have a nice day. There, that’s the lot.
Cup of tea, Mr Drake Um, no, thank you, Rebecca. I’d better
be off now. - Thanks, Dad. - Don’t mention it, love.
- Bye. - Bye. - Bye. - Bye Rebecca.
- Welcome to Wellington Gardens. - I still can’t believe it.
Why don’t we have a party - a sort of ‘Welcome to Julia’ thing
Oh, yes. Great idea. When Next Friday We can invite some of the neighbours and everyone from work.
Everyone Even Frederick Don’t worry. He’s in South Africa for
the rest of the week. So who can we invite
Oh, what’s this It’s an invitation to our party.
A party, eh When is it It’s next Friday. The eighteenth. Tim,
here. Great! I like parties.
- We can’t come. - But... We’ve got that programme to finish.
Can’t we do it another time It’s Julia’s... No!
Oh, well... Hi, Tim. It’s party time.
No, it isn’t. OK, I think we can take a look at that now. Last year Richard Bennett gave up his job in a London bank... ...and decided to walk to the South Pole.
Why did you give up your job, Richard Well, I didn’t like my job and I had a lot of problems at home. I just wanted to get away from it all.
I wanted to find myself, if you like. So you left England in August. What did you do first I flew to Buenos Aires in Argentina.
From there I travelled to the Antarctic by boat.
When did you actually start your journey to the Pole
Well, I had to wait for a few weeks, because the weather was very bad...
...so I didn’t set off until the end of September.
Did anyone go with you No, I was on my own.
And did you reach the South Pole No, I didn’t.
After about three hundred kilometres I fell into a huge crevasse...
...you know - a big hole - about ten metres deep.
Were you hurt Yes, I broke my arm.
I couldn’t climb out. What did you do
Well, fortunately, my sledge fell into the hole with me...
...so I had food, and I had my radio, too.
And I called for help. How long were you there before they found
you Five days.
There was a bad storm, you see. I thought it was the end, but then suddenly
I heard voices and dogs. I shouted and shouted and faces appeared above me. What did you think about, while you were
in the crevasse I thought about my life back in England.
And the funny thing was that all my problems at home and at work...
...weren’t important any more. I just wanted to be with my family and friends again. Life’s very short, you know. You have
to enjoy it while you can. Thank you very much.
Can I just look at that last part again I thought about my life back in England.
And the funny thing was that all my problems at home and at work...
...weren’t important any more. I just wanted to be with my family and friends again. Life’s very short, you know. You have
to enjoy it while you can. Thank you very much.
Yes, that’s fine. Do you want a cup of coffee Tim
Sorry. What did you say Would you like a coffee
No thanks, Sean. We’ve got a party to go to.
What do you think, Rebecca The skirt or the trousers I can’t afford both. Hmm. I don’t know. How much are they
The skirt’s £.. The trousers are a bit more expensive,
but not much. Look. There’s Gary.
Where There. He’s going into the Men’s department.
Oh, I suppose he’s buying some new clothes... ...for his interview with that magazine.
Oh yes. What did he say The readers of Stars and Style magazine
voted me... ...the best dressed newsreader on TV.
Let’s see what he’s buying. Hi, Gary. What are you doing
I’m looking for a shirt and a tie to go with my new suit.
Are they for your interview Oh, do you know about that
Oh, come on, Gary. Everybody knows. You mention it at least ten times a day.
Excuse me. Can I try these on, please Sure. The changing rooms are over there.
Thank you. How many shirts are you taking
Only the best is good enough for the best-dressed newsreader.
Hi, Tim. OK, Gary. What’s in the bags
Oh, these It’s my new suit and things for my interview...
...about the best dressed newsreader. Yes, we know. Armani, eh
Bet that cost a bit. Well, if it’s good, the price doesn’t
matter. Did you hear that
Yes, he’s even worse than usual. Somebody should do something about him.
When is this interview anyway Straight after the six o’clock news.
Psst! Sean! Sean! Gary Fenton to the studio, please. Five
minutes. Oh, there you are, Gary. Why are you so late Good evening.
This is Gary Fenton with the six o’clock news.
Gary, your visitors. Charlotte Mortimer from Stars and Style
magazine. Pleased to meet you, Mr Fenton, or may
I call you Gary Of course.
Now, can we take some photographs first Oh no. We always see you at your desk,
Gary. Well, I feel more comfortable here.
But I’m sure all our readers want to know if you’ve got any legs.
I’d really prefer to be at my desk. Come on now, Gary. Don’t be shy!
All right! What are you wearing Er, well, perhaps at the desk is better. What’s happening
The reporter’s interviewing Gary. And Gary always enjoys interviews.
Well, he isn’t enjoying this one. I think we should give his trousers back now. Why Oh, all right.
So when did you start doing that A couple of years ago.
Sorry to interrupt. We found these, Gary. Excuse me.
Photograph Come on, Gary. Cheer up.
The magazine got photos of you in your new suit in the end.
But you looked so funny in those baggy old trousers.
Where did you get them, anyway They were Sean’s.
Oh no, Sean! So what are we going to do at this school
Tim’s going to interview one of the teachers. She’s won the lottery twice.
I’ve never won the lottery. In fact, I’ve never won anything!
Is everything OK Sure. Let’s go. Oh!
Tim! Are you all right Yes, I’m fine. I’ve just got stomach-ache, that’s all. You can’t work like this. You should
be at home in bed. Look. I’ve never missed a day’s work
in my life... ...and I’m not going to start now.
Anyway, who’s going to do the interview if I’m not there
Me. Have you ever done an interview before
No, I haven’t, but I’ve watched you several times and Sean’s here.
He’s filmed hundreds of interviews. No, it’s OK, I can... Ow, ah!
Give me your car keys. I’m going to take you straight to the
doctor. Hi, how are you
Hi, Julia. Did you get the interview all right
Yes, everything was fine. But what about you
I feel a bit sore. They took my appendix out yesterday afternoon.
I know. I came to see you, but you were asleep.
I was with Rebecca. Uh-huh. I’ve never been in hospital before.
How long are you going to be in here I can go home tomorrow and the doctor says... ...I can go back to work next week, if
I want to. Tim. Don’t you ever stop
Hi, Gary. Tim... Oh, hello, Julia.
Appendicitis, eh Ah no, I suppose you can’t eat anything at the moment.
- Julia - No thanks. I’ve had appendicitis, you know. Have
you, Julia Very painful. Now when did I have it
Oh yes. I was at school. It must be oh, twenty years ago.
Hello Tim. What did the doctor say All clear. And the best thing is I can eat normally again. Good.
Er, Julia... ... I, em, wanted to say thank you for
all your help when... ...you know... and well, erm...
...would you like to go out for a meal sometime...
...just to, you know, say thank you Yes, I’d love to.
Shall we try that new Italian place near the museum
Mmm. That would be nice. When Is this evening any good for you
Yes, it’s fine. Great. Shall I call for you about eight
I’m going to be in town anyway. So can we meet at the restaurant at say half past seven OK.
Tim Barnes. Hi Pete... - This is good. I love Italian food.
- Have you ever been to Italy - I lived there for a couple of years.
- Really It was after I left university. I worked in a travel company. You know, looking after groups of British
tourists. Did you enjoy it
Yes, it was great fun. I like travelling. What about you
I’ve travelled around a bit, mostly in Asia and South America...
...but I’ve never actually lived in another country.
Erm... You’ve got some sauce on your cheek.
Have I Where - Hi, you two. - Oh, hello, Gary.
Can I join you I’m having dinner here, too...
...but my friends aren’t here yet... You’ve got a bit of sauce on your cheek,
Julia. Thank you, Gary. I can do it.
That was a really good meal. I enjoyed it.
Yes, me too. Until Gary arrived. Yes.
Um, well, I’ve got an early start tomorrow. Yes.
So... Yes. Goodnight.
Goodnight. See you tomorrow. - Tim! - Yes
I can’t find my keys, I think I’ve left them at work.
Oh, isn’t Rebecca in I don’t know. Probably not.
Oh dear.
Oh hi, hi Tim. I heard voices.
I’m just on the phone to my sister, so I’ll see you in a minute.
Still locked out
Yes.