End Game has learned Sir David Nicholson has been broadening his cultural horizons as his period in charge of NHS England draws to a close.

In recent weeks the big beast has apparently been absorbed in Game of Thrones, the glossy American fantasy TV series.

The show has been described as “The Sopranos in Middle-Earth”, and mixes swords and sorcery bombast with political intrigue and violent dynastic power struggles. On average 14 characters die per episode, and there are more steamy scenes than are strictly necessary.

End Game looks forward to seeing how all this informs Sir David’s wielding of power during his final few months as NHS England honcho.