One problem with appearing on television is that people are quick to comment on your appearance.

Social media has made this a whole lot worse and I sympathise with those (women especially) who are targeted for criticism about their looks.

Thankfully I've escaped the worst excesses of the Internet. The other day I was described as a "chubby twat" but I've no complaints. It could have been so much worse.

The most personal comment I've received came via a private email sent by someone in South Africa:

Just seen you on Sky. Your teeth are disgusting - don't you have or can't you afford dental care? Why do so many British people have terrible teeth? Curious that you think that its normal to walk around like that?

Far from being offended I thought "He's right!" and decided to do something about it.

The first step was registering with a dentist.

Step two was a long overdue check-up during which I suggested teeth whitening.

Step three was another appointment to begin a course of professional bleaching.

I won't bore you with the details (you can read about the process here) but according to the blurb, "Teeth whitening can’t make your teeth brilliant white, but it can lighten the existing colour by several shades."

I was dubious about my ability to stick to the daily routine but I have and after four weeks I've noticed a difference.

Unfortunately, following root canal treatment many years ago, a couple of teeth are impervious to bleaching gel. The only solution for them is veneers.

Veneers, I've discovered, cost £500 per tooth. Teeth 'whitening' has already set me back £350 so I'll give that a miss - for now.

Then again, if a plain speaking South African sees me on TV and still isn't happy, rest assured I'll be on the phone to my dentist. Again.