Quadrant is exactly the same as the original! So its really not the quadrant (for once)
The cable is brand new and the same length as the old (which was fine up until last week when this happened)

So i'm 100% sure its not the quadrant or cable. I know mk5/6 escorts clutch arms are prone to twisting/bending. It looks fine externally but that doesn't mean it hasn't moved internally (as per karlos's suggestion)