It’s hard not to love Jeremy Paxman. From his infamous questioning of Michael Howard to his brilliant if sometimes rather rude handling of the teams on University Challenge, the man hardly puts a foot wrong.

Today though it seems the hardened reporter has left the comfortable world of politics and current affairs behind and moved on to much more dangerous territory: underwear!

Yes, it’s been revealed today that Paxo has penned a scathing email to Marks & Spencer complaining about their pants and socks.

The respected journalist and broadcaster apparently told the Daily Mail: “I’ve noticed that something very troubling has happened. There’s no other way to put this. Their pants no longer provide adequate support. The other thing is socks. Even among those of us who clip our toenails very rigorously, they appear to be wearing out much more quickly on the big toe.”

Marks and Spencer have fought back saying that “the quality of our underwear is probably the highest it’s ever been,” and M&S chief executive Stuart Rose has even agreed to meet to try and resolves what Paxman has dubbed a ‘mighty battle’.

Taking a glance through our users’ reviews of M&S stores across the country, it’s obvious that many people prefer the store’s grub to its undies. “A little pricey, but it is reliable on quality,” says dmj1962 of the chain’s food selection, while Ellieb claims that “The wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables is better, I would say, than any supermarket around!”.

For a comment on the sock and pant situation though we have to go over to our reviewer Kittles who had previously suffered terrible mental anguish at the hands of “the most hideous enormous grannies pants” but was pleasantly surprised to see recent M&S modernisation had brought about a bit of an undergarment revolution:

Times have changed and, along with those hideous Grannie knickers, it’s quite possible to find some decent lingerie and decent prices, a good place for singlets, plain tees and socks too.

So there you have it: M&S, good for pants and socks!

Mr Paxman, if you’re reading this, please feel free to submit your own review. We look forward to your considered thoughts on the age old ‘boxers versus briefs’ debate!