BCG Daily Monday 4th October 2010

Merton and Parsons to front BBC4 documentary

Just A Minute colleagues to examine life of 1950s comedian Arthur Haynes.

Exclusive video: Brand & Ross - live at Hackney Empire

Hightlights from Russell Brand's interview by Jonathan Ross, part of the comedian's night at the Hackney Empire to promote his second autobiography Booky Wook 2.

Video: Russell Brand promotes Booky Wook 2 on UK tour

Russell Brand starts a nationwide stand-up tour this week to promote his second book, Booky Wook 2.

The 35-year-old talks about how his fiancée Katy Perry reacted to stories about his days as a womaniser and says former Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher was upset at being called placid.

He also reveals to Newsbeat's entertainment reporter Natalie Jamieson how he nearly ended up with a sheep in his bedroom on his stag do.

Ronnie Barker, ideas thief?

Ronnie Barker had a poor reputation for stealing ideas from fellow comedy writers, a new book claims.

An interview with Jo Brand

She's the left-wing feminist comic who thinks Jimmy Carr is a nice bloke ... would the real Jo Brand come forward.

John Oliver gets engaged

British comedian John Oliver, who now lives in America and works on The Daily Show, has popped the question to girlfriend Kate Norley.

Come Fly With Me - new photo

Ooh, we spoil you! Here's another exclusive photo from Come Fly With Me.

Audio: Johnny Vegas - my dad ate my rabbit

One of comedian Johnny Vegas's most well known jokes is about how his dad put his pet rabbit into the pot and then ate it. While most saw this as just a joke, Vegas now admits that the joke is based on a true story.

Long live those mother-in-law (and ex-wife) jokes

The ex-wife of comedian Stephen Grant attempted to stop him making gags about her on stage - but surely that's what comics do?

Comedy king in TV comeback

Ben Elton returns to TV stand-up for the first time in more than a decade. The comic tells Kate Whiting how the scene's changed since his heyday and why he's been hiding for so long.

Video interview: Stephen Fry on Planet Word

In this exclusive interview with MIPCOM daily News' Julian Newby, Stephen Fry discusses his new 5-part linguistic documentary series Planet Word, produced by Fry's company Sprout Pictures. It will screen on the UK's BBC2 late 2011.

The Inbetweeners: series three, episode four

Just as with Simon's attempts to lose his virginity, this grossout sitcom tries just a bit too hard. Plenty to enjoy, though - did you know you needed a flannel?

Norman Wisdom - a life in clips

Norman Wisdom, one of the Britain's best-loved comedy stars, has died aged 95. We look back over his career in clips.

Video: Comedian Sir Norman Wisdom dies

Comic actor Sir Norman Wisdom has died aged 95. The London-born comedian was famous for his slapstick film roles in the 1950s and 1960s, including the character Norman Pitkin.

Inbetweeners Review: Do You Remember The First Time

The writers have successfully created a group of lads that are utterly believable, and even more hilarious because of it.

Inbetweeners series 3 episode 4 review

After the slight nastiness last week, The Inbetweeners comes back with a belter.

Stand-up comedy: funnier with age?

This month Ben Elton returns to stand up in Dave's One Night Stand, having not performed for so long that a few of you young whippersnappers may not even be aware that he was a giant on stage.

The day I tried stand-up for the first time

One of the advantages of being Dave's 'Roving Reporter' is getting to go to places for free; like the Edinburgh Festival. One of the disadvantages is having to do stuff that isn't pain-free; like stand-up comedy. For the first time. Ever.