robert alexander spiers (27 september 1945 – 8 december 2008) was a scottish director. he is particularly noted as the director of the early series of "absolutely fabulous" (1992–2001), the musical comedy "spice world", and of the second series of "fawlty towers" (1979). he also worked with steven moffat on "press gang" and "joking apart". spiers won a bafta award twice for his work as a television comedy director.