In the nine years since the show first aired, the UK has not undergone a damascene conversion from racist hellhole to tolerant sunny upland. The idea that Lucas or Walliams, two of the snobbiest luvvies in showbiz, had a unique insight into the sentiments and political affinities of the nation is laughable. Instead, what has changed is that comedy that pushes the boundaries of what’s politically correct – from jokes about the holocaust to piss-takes of trans ideology – is now verboten. 

Not only that, but shows from the past that really were poking fun at racism (like the Jewish, Labour-Party-voting Warren Mitchell’s depiction of racist old bugger Alf Garnett) have likewise been axed by cultural censors allergic to satire. It’s a wonder that Lucas and Walliams have survived to become lauded children’s authors and bake-off presenters – perhaps no one remembers his (very funny) Shooting Stars skit about lesbians.

What no one seems willing to admit is that we like to laugh at things we’re not supposed to laugh at. The best kind of comedy isn’t one that mirrors respected social norms and values, but one that sends them up or tears them down. One of my favourite jokes by the late Sean Lock was his sketch about trying to wash all the marmite out of the jar – poking fun at one of society’s most sacred cows: recycling.