I have just been handed a communique stating that former generalissimo of Cuba, Fidel Castro, has accepted an invitation to be a judge on American Idol, next summer. The former antagoniser of Western states including USA has been recovering from a series of medical setbacks but has indicated improving health by taking on one of the toughest gigs in TV. A spokesperson for Castro said the "old man" has been in training by watching past series of the show.

The decision to sign up Castro is abstract to say the least. In his glory days, the Cuban leader would deliver speeches that lasted 4 hours, so there might be some micro managing on that part of his performance. It is believed that Castro sang patriotic songs when he was a student in the early '50s but that is about the limit of his music ability. "Every thing about this decision smacks of nepotism" said one show insider.