One example was the way she responded to Alfredo's late plea that they leave Paris together so she could regain her health: "Parigi, o caro, " she echoed, but her subdued, wistful tone told us she knew it was a vain hope.
In the latter part of the show, having been off stage for a lengthy period of time, a more subdued Gervais appeared, prompting speculation he had been told to tone down his act.
And it was Parker who brought Upton Park to life after a subdued opening period with a couple of trademark tackles, setting the tone for the Hammers to go ahead after 34 minutes.