More proof that the world is populated by idiots

Monty Python star Terry Jones insists the BBC "hated" the surreal comedy series when it was first presented to them, and nearly scrapped the show altogether.

The 62-year-old comedy veteran embarrassed BBC executives who were also present at the event by explaining if he had not smuggled the tapes out of the BBC, they risked being trashed.

He says, "They put us on very reluctantly and always took us off air for something like Horse Of The Year Show.

"The head of comedy said it just wasn't that funny. The shows nearly got wiped."

You hear this about every brilliant work of art. I'm sure Shakespeare's producers wanted to cut 30 minutes out of "Hamlet". Or Picasso's exhibitor said Guernica "just wasn't that moving." It's amazing anything decent ever gets made.