Back on 14th December, we revealed that Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour was taking a break from activities surrounding his forthcoming album and tour, to make a guest appearance in a special BBC comedy production, which aired this evening on BBC2 TV.

The original "Three Men In A Boat"

Filming took place along the Thames (where Gilmour's houseboat recording studio, The Astoria, resides) from 5 to 13 September.

The segment, early on in the first half of the programme, had the trio happening across the Astoria, tying up their boat, and walking across the lawns to meet David, apparently unannounced and unarranged. They are treated to a guided tour of the Astoria, which has a rich history and is surprisingly roomy inside - despite the presence of a very large mixing desk!

The main room used for recordings (indeed, Momentary Lapse and Division Bell were both mainly recorded in the self same room) seemed remarkably small, with a diminutive drum kit dominating part of it. Especially in comparison to the mixing desk!

David mentions, in the piece, that he was working on his new album - and played an excerpt of a work-in-progress track to the trio. It was great to hear "Smile" again; many of you will recall that this received its debut at David's Meltdown concert in London, in 2001. Five years later, very little has changed in the song - still a beautifully mellow, drifting love song.

We'll keep an eye open for a repeat of this show for all those who missed it.