NEWCASTLE'S CAPITAL Of Culture bid received a severe blow last month, with news that there may not be another series of Auf Weidersehen, Pet.
Newcastle Stuff decided to wait until this news had sunk in before contacting council chiefs for their response - not wanting to intrude in a moment of grief.
But our own experts reckon they are shaken to the core by the possible loss of one of the region's top cultural exports.
Problems arose when actors' fees were discussed for the follow-up to this year's revival of the 80s classic - with Jimmy Nail allegedly demanding more than his colleagues, as he's the 'star of the show'.
Former wildman Nail - real name Jimmy Barnsley - has a reputation for threatening to chin journalists who write uncomplimentary things, so Newcastle Stuff will have to tread carefully with this next story about the misunderstood genius.
The fearless Sun newspaper recently reported that Nail is suing local radio station Galaxy after DJs and listeners doubted his talents.
According to their story - under the ingenious headline 'Crocodile Sues' (nicked, above) - he has issued a High Court writ demanding damages of at least £15,000 in damages for libel.
They reckon (not us, Jimmy, mate) that a presenter 'criticised' him, before opening a phone-in free for all.

Sites For Sore Eyes

GREY STREET is the best in the UK - and that’s official! The Toon’s bonniest boulevard beat off stiff competition from around the country, to win the coveted prize from the Society of Scaffolders.
Judges marvelled at the elegant lines of tubular metal supporting a mass of billowing brown, green and grey tarpaulin, which obscures almost a third of this otherwise grim street.
“We’ve worked really hard to claim this prize - and we’re not finished yet,” said brickie’s mate Paddy MacDee, yesterday.
The award will also have been noted by a high-powered delegation which came from Down South last month.
With both banks of the Tyne almost buried by building work, Newcastle and Gateshead must surely be serious contenders for the title of 2008 European Capital of Construction.