Jeremy Pantsman

"Like very large numbers of men in this country I have always bought my socks and pants at Marks & Sparks," Paxman said in the email - reported by the Mail on Sunday newspaper.

"I've noticed that something very troubling has happened. There's no other way to put this. Their pants no longer provide adequate support."

Paxman said he is not alone.

"When I've discussed this with friends and acquaintances it has revealed widespread gusset anxiety," he wrote.

Feared BBC interviewer on warpath over underpants - 22 Jan 2008 - Feature: Strange but true