Do you remember, not so long ago, how Phil Spencer’s home finding company Garrington got into trouble – or so we thought? We’ve just had a quick latte with the person who has replaced Phil at the helm – Jonathan Hopper – who, although possessing a passing resemblance to Mr Spencer, isn’t planning on a TV career at the moment.

Instead he’s been busy over the past two years building the business back up and he’s keen to point out that Garrington didn’t disappaer entirely. He says that although the London part of the business failed in 2009 the rest of the company outside London was unaffected and, eventually, bought out what was left of the London operation and began all over again under Mr Hopper’s direction.

He says that in the beginning, during the boom years, having Phil Spencer so closely associated with the business had both upsides and downsides. “Phil’s name generated a lot of business for Garrington but some of the enquiries weren’t always ideal customers as many were fans wanting signed photos, which wasn’t so good,” says Hopper. “But I don’t think Garrington would be so well known today without the Phil Spencer connection who helped raise people’s awareness of property finders, so that’s a plus.”

Uh-oh. There is one seriously cranky semi-retiree in Cambridgeshire this week.

Ian Parrott, 62, apparently came home last Thursday to find his locks changed, his letterbox boarded up, and a reposession notice telling him he had seven days to reclaim his belongings. According to the article, the next day ‘Mr Parrott was finally given a key but found bailiffs had emptied his fridge and freezer, drained his radiators and turned off his gas, electricity and water.’

Pretty rough, considering the poor old guy had no debt or mortgage to speak of.

Turns out the silly old bailiffs were supposed to repossess a property with the same house number (47, if you’re curious) a few streets over. Whoopsy daisy!

Thoughts? Tutting? Outrage? Evil chuckles? By all means, take the stage and express yourself.