"Hope it wasn't actually tweeted," Simon says, lamely. "What would the hashtag be? I don't think Norrell's even close to being that tech-savvy." The joke is dead on arrival and he has to busy himself with the glasses as it falls with an almost audible clunk.

He pours Skip a shot. "Guess not. It's all a bit overwhelming, honestly. Wasn't exactly expecting to get nominated, much less get the job."