Ok, so it all got a bit weird last night on Graham Norton's show - again.
A week after the cheeky host had to work his magic charms on a ruffled Russell Brand for bringing up the subject of his ex Katy Perry, Norton had to effect a diplomatic miracle after guest actress Miriam Margolyes made some strange remarks that left EVEN Will.i.am speechless.
It went something like this...
Miriam to Will: "I'm just fascinated by you. Unfortunately I don't know many black people.
"We don't get to meet across the colour line much except in showbusiness and that's what's so nice."
Will: Silence.
Alert, alert, Norton leaps into action, like a Ferrero Rocher ambassador...
"It's lovely, Miriam, you're right."
But there's more...
Miriam to Will: "I don't know much about rappers, you're the first one I've actually talked to. I was in the musical Wicked and I met a lot of black people and I liked them a lot."
Finally, Will: "And I'm a black guy. I'm the first rapper and black guy you've kicked it with."
And, later... Miriam, while telling a childhood story, turns to Will: "Have you heard of Jews?"
I guess there's nothing like comfortable Friday night chatshow telly...
Will.i.am encounters Miriam Margolyes and, unusually for him, is left speechless...