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I’m sure we’ll take some stick for doing this. There’ll be those who think it’s not right to give Mark Oaten a platform, or take MPs away from their legislation and constituents. There will be others who think it's unseemly or a waste of the licence fee. Some of the bloggers out there already given us some feedback. Here’s a sample:

• "That's just conjured images of green lycra that I just didn't need." ()
• " [Mark Oaten] should be aware though that all this exercise will not get him his hair back."
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• "[You] can already sense the shudders from some party stalwarts who will feel that this kind of public spectacle (entertainment) on national TV won't do the party's image any good.
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• "Get a hat and suitable condiments ready." ()

As you’d expect, I’m a big fan of both the idea and the execution. Think Jamie Oliver and School Dinners. Think too about politics and engagement; about the issues facing ordinary people. Think seeing the mighty struggle, the powerful sweat, and those remote and gilded villagers of Westminster being put through a lot of pain and anguish. It’s all there.

As for my own pain and anguish – it’s pretty much over now. The heart rate is settling, the tremors are lessening and I wish I could say I feel better for it. Well maybe a little. You can catch the series – which we’re calling The Body Politics - every Monday for the next six weeks on The Daily Politics on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Two at Noon. We’re also going to run little tasters on the days in between. There’s more background, and video of the Body Politics, on our .