The BBC presenters spent 20 minutes chatting to the husband of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was jailed by Iran in 2016 accused of plotting to overthrow the government. Richard, who has today entered the 17th day of his protest outside the Foreign Office, said: "I hope the power of celebrity will help persuade the Government to do everything they can to unlock the deadlock. Claudia and Victoria were very supportive."

       Richard also had a visit from the comedian Bill Bailey recently. He said: "He gave me a pair of gloves that he'd bought in Iceland. I must say they are doing a good job but I'm feeling the cold."

       Victoria said: "Nazanin is a totally innocent woman who needs to come home to her family."