GCSE English students may no longer have to study Shakespeare. That must be a big relief.

I've detested the bard since I spent years studying "The Tempest" foisted on pupils at LGGS.

Our year even went to see a top class production in Manchester -- but I was still no wiser or more impressed afterwards.

However, for my GCE I learned one speech, the "What have we here, a man or a fish, dead or alive. A fish, he smells like at fish . . .' etc.

And whatever question came up on the big day I was determined to weave it in somehow -- and did. It must have worked because I passed E Lit, but ever since I have avoided the plays like the plague.

I didn't even enjoy the oscar winning film "Shakespeare in Love". Philistine or what?