Is Robin Ince mellowing in his older age? His latest show was all about positivity – at least, that’s what he told us. And, though the anger was still there, it did seem to have softened a little around the edges.

The Daily Mail has always been good fodder for this “hard left” comedian (as one fan branded the frequenter of Waitrose). Or it was – until the Guardian decided the literate, bookish stand-up was taking aim at too much of an easy target.

Robin has taken note of the Guardian’s instruction to “take note, Robin Ince” and refined his act accordingly, taking aim at the left-wing newspaper instead.

According to Robin, The Daily Mail’s existence allows the “quality” newspapers to feel smug while they write drivel about what Natasha Kaplinsky eats for breakfast.

In fact, it was her Life In The Day profile in The Times that prompted a change in Robin’s reading habits, which, in turn, brought about his new positivity.

Robin told us his epiphany came at the Latitude Festival this year when he was mid-rant about the newsreader and a heckler asked: “What are you so angry about?”

Robin concluded that the newspapers were to blame. Where and why else would he have formed opinions on Fern Britton’s gastric band, Peter Andre and Susan Boyle?

So, since July, Robin has stopped reading newspapers. However, with the press still dominating most of his act, he had better take them up again if he wants some new material.

Besides, who else but Robin can keep our celebrity-obsessed inclinations in check?

Apparently not the Guardian.