Some doubt now as to the actual date of the franchise announcement; I thought it was the Wednesday but then someone said "no - the Friday" and 23rd has stuck in my mind.  Now it seems that Monday 19th is also being mentioned.   I guess one week doesn't make a huge difference, although this particular week is a real doozie for them to choose.   Almost as if they're expecting people to be unhappy and want to do it at a time people are thinking about Christmas.