Part 2 (2/2)

'Lovely,' Bob told her, 'but you're wearing that dress again. Ain't you got any time to go shopping, girl?'

'Oh shut up!' Annie told him.

Under the glaring studio lights, Annie introduced Melissa for the benefit of the camera, then ushered her onto the set.

'C'mon my lovely,' Annie said in full-on, upbeat presenter mode, holding out a hand for Melissa to grab. 'Melissa is here to show us how to do colours. We have red, we have pink, we have a splash of violet going on below. It's a sizzle. A riot. I'm here to tell you: never worry about the rules your mum might have given you: if you love it, wear it!

'Life is absolutely too short to worry about ”does blue go with green?” If it looks good to you, go for it. I've had enough of people in black and navy and beige. Stand out from the crowd. Look lovely! And wear the colours you just can't get enough of,' Annie instructed.

'Melissa hasn't been well, she's spent months in drab hospital wards so you can't blame her for wanting to break open the paintbox and wear delicious reds and pinks all in one go.

'And doesn't she look gorgeous?'

Even Melissa nodded her head at this.

'I love my job,' Annie said straight to camera with a big grin, 'I really do love my job. If you are in a wardrobe rut, don't know what to wear, can't make sense of what's out there in the shops, have a big milestone event ahead or are just generally freaking out about what you should be putting on, get in touch. Email me: we can feature your problem on the show, or even better, I'll get on the phone and we'll have you right here, just like Melissa.'

The door to the studio opened, distracting Annie from her speech.

'And cut ... just for now,' the director said, her attention caught as well. Everyone turned to see who had committed the crime of opening one of the large double doors and allowing a shaft of light into the darkened studio.

Someone was walking through the darkness on sharp, metal-tipped heels.

One of the lighting crew swung a spotlight in the direction of the footsteps. Tamsin Hinkley, the show's producer, was striding towards them.

Usually Annie was pleased to see Tamsin, and not just because she was always beautifully dressed. Tamsin was Annie's biggest fan, who had believed in their programme right from the start and had ensured the last series was a major ratings success which was immediately re-commissioned.

But today, Tamsin was not smiling. In fact, she looked thunderous.

'h.e.l.lo everyone,' she said in a voice that sounded tense and angry.

'Hi.'

'h.e.l.lo.'

'Hey Tamsin.'

A range of voices answered back.

'What's up?' Annie asked. 'You don't look happy.'

'No. I'm not happy at all,' Tamsin replied. Then she sc.r.a.ped her long hair away from her face and just held it there, hand clasped at the back of her head: 'I don't know how to tell you this,' she began.

Several people in the room started to fidget nervously.

'Channel Four has de-commissioned this series,' Tamsin announced, letting her hair fall and trying to stand up tall and look professionally around the room, 'I'm afraid they've pulled the plug on us.'

There was a slight wobble in her voice as she added: 'And there's absolutely nothing I can do. I know this because I've been on the phone to my lawyer for the last hour.'

There were gasps of astonishment. Someone burst into tears. The director began to protest. Melissa looked crestfallen.

Only cameraman Bob, who'd been with Annie right from her first TV job on an iffy digital channel, seemed unfazed. 'Oh yeah,' he said, as he calmly began to dismantle his equipment. 'Happens all the time.'

Annie stared at him in shock. 'But it can't be happening now.' She heard her voice, all high and thin: 'please just pinch me and tell me it can't be happening.'

'It is, Annie,' Tamsin confirmed. 'I'm so sorry,'

Chapter Three.

Mimi-Jay looking deeeeeelightful: Black b.u.t.ton-up short sleeved jacket (salon's own)

Silky black harem trousers (Topshop)

High yellow patent heels (New Look)

Bright pink push-up bra and thong (Dorothy Perkins)

Oversized pearl and gold necklace (Topshop)

Yellow and pink striped nails (Blaxx salon)

Total est. cost: 145

'No moanin' and groanin' now.'

'So it sounds as if Ed has been cool about it,' Connor said, although his voice was m.u.f.fled because he was lying face down on Mimi-Jay's beautician's couch, head inside a fluffy white towel, enjoying some full-on Blaxx salon attention.

'Yeah, Ed is as cool as I am stressed,' Annie replied from her own couch, where she lay smothered in a face mask, 'he was unbelievably calm. As if TV shows just come and go, as if I breeze in and announce my entire series has been cancelled every day of the week.'

<script>