QVC: I'm sorry Debbie, we can only offer you £65,000 a year now. We need to reduce costs for the Business.
DG: £65,000? 65....? But that's 30 % less than....
QVC: We know but, due to the current business conditions....
DG: But I used to be a beauty queen? And what about all my years of service? I'm like a fine wine that matures with age and becomes more valuable! You don't get a fine wine and pay the price of a bottle of Sarson's, do you? I'm OFFENDED! My huband used to present Catchword on BBC2! You can't even fork out £100k for someone as beautiful as me! Just because that Jill Franks will do it for the price of a curry and her bus fare home it doesn't mean I will.
QVC: Don't you think you're being a bit unreasonable?
DG: NO I DON'T! I think this is disgraceful. We are the face of your business. I bet you didn't take a 30% pay cut, did you? SO why should I?
QVC: We understand that this is difficult. What we will do to address this is allow you some garden leave. You will not be required to present however you will be paid in accordance with your current contract. This way if negotiations are unsuccessful you will be able to leave quietly and seek other work. Please note that we will only honour this agreement if you agree not to discuss anything about this matter with anyone other than us, or someone we authorise. You can have a few minutes to think about it and go to your dressing room to collect your things.
(In tears she gathers her things) and meets Julian Ballantyne in the corridor.
JB: Debs! What did they say?
DG: They are putting me on garden leave!
JB: Well I'm leaving! I'm not coming back. Good luck Debs.
