BCG Daily Wednesday 27th January 2010

McIntyre strikes £1/2m 'golden handcuffs' BBC deal

The BBC has struck a 'golden handcuffs' deal with comedian Michael McIntyre as it prepares for a cut-price and less controversial future without Jonathan Ross.

Billy Connolly claims British comedy is 'too censored'

Billy Connolly has spoken out against censorship, complaining that comedians who swear on stage are unfairly branded "vulgarian and foul mouthed".

Shameless return watched by more than 3 million

First episode in seventh series of Gallagher family drama is Channel 4's most popular show of the day.

Michael McIntyre re-signs with BBC for Comedy Roadshow

BBC One show Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow will return for a second series, the corporation has confirmed.

Paul Merton criticises Bristol festival director

Comedian Paul Merton has criticised a Bristol film festival director after he was dropped from this year's event.

The Persuasionists - Adam Buxton responds

The Persuasionists, it's fair to say, has had attracted a very vocal response from readers of this blog.

One of its stars, Adam Buxton (seen playing Greg, who does not have a beard) was away during transmission of the first episode, but now he responds with this special video.

Frank Skinner hints at new World Cup song

Comedian Frank Skinner has said that he wants to write a new World Cup song to follow the success of his hit football anthem, Three Lions.

Plugging into the Newsjack

Newsjack is a topical comedy sketch show about current affairs. It is quick, it's witty, it's incisive, and it's highly entertaining.

Comic Timings was actually lucky enough to get a ticket to go and see a recording of this week's Newsjack show - due to be broadcast tomorrow. Read on for a sneak peek of what you can expect if you tune in...

No ending in sight for Shameless

David Threlfall has said that he doesn't see Shameless ending any time soon.

What's wrong with Michael McIntyre?

Michael McIntyre came out of nowhere and is phenomenally successful. Not since Peter Kay has a comedian landed mainstream success so quickly. That's largely why a lot of his peers loathe him. It's not so much hostility towards his abilities, more straight jealousy.