BCG Daily Thursday 16th December 2010

Video: Just William's adventures come to television

An all-star cast is due to bring the exploits of mischievous schoolboy Just William to life this Christmas.

The BBC adaptation has been filmed nearly a century after the publication of the William books by author Richmal Crompton.

The BBC's Emma Jones went behind-the-scenes.

Video: Comedian Dawn French on her new passion

Actress and comedian Dawn French has just written her first novel, A Tiny Bit Marvellous.

She spoke to BBC Breakfast about how much she enjoyed writing it and what her plans are for Christmas.

Douglas Adams's holistic detective Dirk Gently arrives

Here's hoping that tonight's one-off show penned by Misfits writer Howard Overman and starring Stephen Mangan, leads to a full series.

How slavishly should screen adaptations follow a book?

It's been made very clear to me, mainly through conversations on Twitter, that a lot of people hold the Dirk Gently books in great affection and that they are going to be very upset if we don't get it right.

Matt Lucas obtains damages over 'intrusive' article

Matt Lucas has obtained undisclosed damages and an apology over an article in the Daily Mail after the death of his former civil partner Kevin McGee.

Sacha Baron Cohen could play racist cop Torrente

Seinfeld writers' update of Spanish action-comedy Torrente could be next movie for Sacha Baron Cohen, creator of Borat and Brüno.

Video: Julia Davis sketch

Julia Davis is one of the famous faces appearing in Sky1's Little Crackers, a series of autobiographical shorts that portray embarrassing incidents from the past.

Dirk Gently interview

As the BBC prepares to air its adaptation of Douglas Adams' Dirk Gently, here is an interview with Stephen Mangan, Helen Baxendale, Darren Boyd, and producer Chris Carey.

The best laughs of 2010

From Bo Burnham to Frisky and Mannish, an exciting new generation made itself heard.

Dirk Gently: Douglas Adams' detective finally cracks TV

After 23 years, Dirk Gently is bringing distinctly English sci-fi to the small screen. Chris Harvey reports.

Preview: 10 O'Clock Live

Last night I went to BBC Television Centre to watch the first unbroadcast pilot of 10 O'Clock Live...

Radio 3 announces Big Red Nose Show for Comic Relief

Comedians Sue Perkins, Tim Vine and Marcus Brigstocke will take part in BBC Radio 3's Red Nose Day event.

The Thick of It iPhone app developer interview

The Thick Of It iPhone app, Malcom Tucker: The Missing Phone, went on sale this afternoon and during the hullabalo of Twitter going mad for it, we caught up with Dave Addey, MD of Agant the co-creators of the app.

Michael McIntyre talks to Chris Evans about BGT

Comedian Michael McIntyre talks to Chris Evans on BBC Radio 2 about his new judging role on Britain's Got Talent.

On The Chris Evans Breakfast Show he described how Simon Cowell had "wooed" him for the job.

Your next box set: Blackadder

From castle to first world war trenches, Blackadder was inspired comedy.

Tears are never far from ruining the make-up of Izzard

His new DVD is far from a laugh-a-minute, but then so is its author.

Gary: Tank Commander, the Continuing Mission

Greg McHugh is the man behind the permatan of sashaying soldier Gary McLintoch. Ahead of the second series of Gary: Tank Commander, Greg gave a revealing audio interview to BBC Scotland.