Dearest Kiefer,

We, the undersigned fans, urge you to please, please stop smoking, and stay stopped, in 2009. You bring us so much pleasure, on the big screen and the small, and we want you to keep on doing so for many years to come. We want you to Bauer onto our screens and blow our minds away with your acting. You once said that the fans would decide when Jack should hang up his hat. And you are quite right - that decision should rest with us, not with your coronary arteries.

Of course we realise that it is not easy to quit. Some of us are smokers and ex-smokers ourselves. And we will forgive you if, while you are quitting, there is a little less spring in your step, and if you fail to smile quite so sweetly to the hundredth person who asks for your autograph. (Should your acting skills suffer while withdrawing, however, we would heartily recommend the patches.)

Do it for yourself, do it for us. Do it for you children, do it for Hamish. Just do it.

With Warmest Wishes