Colin Firth in a wet shirt.

So far so good. The election campaign is over the half way mark and unless I missed something – it’s been largely celebrity free. Here’s my plea to all parties – please keep it that way.

Can anything be more patronising than the assumption that because the Tories drag in a faded pop star or Labour invites a comedian in drag onto their platform that it will swing our votes?

Much as I admire the skills of actor George Clooney I can’t get out of my mind his self-assured (complacent?) drawl as he told the world months before the presidential election: “There’s not going to be a President Donald Trump.”

Before the 2010 General Election Gary Barlow told reporters: “There’s nobody more with it than David [Cameron].” Well he’s not with it now Gary!

Acting royalty

Defections leave me just as cold. After the Libdems entered a coalition government with the Tories the celebrated actor Colin Firth announced that he would no longer support them.  

How could anybody dislike good old Colin. He is British acting royalty. But please Messrs Firth, Clooney, Barlow and the entire troupe of actors, pop singers, dancers, soap stars etc. enjoy your no doubt we’ll-deserved success but please don’t use it in attempt to exert influence over the electorate.

I know it can’t be easy. You’re constantly being asked questions by those pesky reporters and you always give a straight answer, right? And everyone whether they be from our neglected backstreets or gilded mansions is entitled to a view surely?

But (as politicians are fond of saying) let’s be clear – have your view, answer the questions honestly but don’t expect me to put my cross in the same place as your’s because you have a good singing voice or once wore a wet shirt on screen.

Elite bubble

Although Hillary Clinton had very public support from megastars such as Beyoncé, Jay Z, Katy Perry and Bruce Springsteen it seemed to strengthen the perception that she existed inside an elite bubble.

For all it’s faults social media can amplify each voice. It gives the impression at least that in cyberspace one viewpoint is worth much the same as any other.

Stardust

It enhances the sense that the world should be a more egalitarian place, that every opinion matters and though we may be undecided we will consider the policies rather than be dazzled by stardust and swallow the words of a celebrity.