The week in quotes

‘Genuinely relieved and grateful. Huge thanks to everyone who has sent messages.’

Jeremy Clarkson was thrilled with the overall positive response from fans and critics over his new motoring show, The Grand Tour, which finally debuted on Amazon Prime Video.

‘The number of escort ships we have at this time is a national disgrace. Having 19 of them – two of which are alongside because of a lack of manpower – is disgraceful.’

Former head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Lord Alan West, after MPs produced a critical report on the strength of the Royal Navy

‘It’s certainly different to when I grew up. It’s all in this sort of politically correct thing where everyone has to win a prize. All the little boys in the class have to go home with a first place trophy.’

Clint Eastwood says too many people are labelled heroes in our time, because of political correctness.

‘There used to be space for cycling in the bus lane, and now there is not. So cycling provision has been taken away, and no alternatives have been provided.’

Jon Spencer, who sits on the committee of Portsmouth Cycle Forum, after the removal of a city centre bus lane

‘It’s horrible, I mean it’s something that completely engulfs your life and every aspect - I mean, I am training 10 to 12 hours a day - I have been putting all my heart and soul into it. I would like to think I was getting better and improving, but obviously not. It’s a very, very tough year this year, there are some exceptional dancers and I knew I was never as good as those guys, but I was going to try as hard as I possibly could to get as close as I could.’

Greg Rutherford is absolutely gutted to become the latest celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing.

‘For us it is all about the care of guests, that’s what is most important to us.’

Reservations manager Ellie Hogston after the Clarence Hotel in Portsmouth was named one of the best in the UK

‘It was his favourite night of the year, mainly because the money raised [on the] night and through the year actually made a difference to people, that’s why he loved it.’

Mark Wogan said his father, the late Sir Terry Wogan, loved the annual BBC Children In Need live telethon more than anything else.

‘I wasn’t nervous heading into it and, to me, it was about promoting Portsmouth, which I think I achieved.’

Portsmouth’s Lord Mayor David Fuller after appearing on the Radio One slot ‘Mayor of Where?’