Apsolutely (sic) - a disease?

During this evening's Antiques Roadshow on BBC television the word "apsolutely" (sic) was uttered 27 times.

I realise that in some people's eyes such counting merely confirms my anorak status. But can no-one account for the apparent stranglehold that this throw-away word, so often linked thoughtlessly linked to "fantastic", has on our nation?

Absolutely everyone is at it.