BCG Daily Saturday 20th December 2014

Vic & Bob, Pascoe, Acaster: celebrity lists of 2014

Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer choose the biggest fools at their imaginary celeb Christmas party; Sara Pascoe pens an alternative Christmas tale in three chapters; and James Acaster names his biggest schmoozes of 2014.

Robin Ince: When your teenage icons are no more

Robin Ince on the comedy heroes that left us in 2014.

The best live comedy over Christmas and New Year

Previews of Seann Walsh, Al Murray and Russell Howard.

Radio Times review

In a year when a celeb seemed to pop off every week, some losses were keener than others. Rik Mayall was 56 when he died suddenly in June: nowhere near retirement, as evidenced by his TV comeback last year in Man Down. That show's bereft creator, Greg Davies, contributes to this documentary, as do Michael Palin, Lenny Henry, Ben Elton, Alexei Sayle, Tim McInnerny and Ruby Wax.

The rare footage here should illustrate how Mayall justified the over-used phrase "force of nature". He was like a child eternally refusing to grow up. That's why it was so shocking when he turned out not to be unstoppable after all.

Radio Times review

The Joan Rivers Position, a chat show with a saucy agony-aunt vibe that ran from 2004-06, is ripe for a one-hour retrospective. Partly because Rivers was mourned by the comedy world when she died in September, and this was one of the few UK shows where she was more than a guest. Partly because in all honesty, whole episodes were a chore - but the good bits were sensational.

Take Brigitte Nielsen storming out, coming back after the break, then going again. Or Graham Norton frankly discussing his sex life, including a namecheck for RT that very much didn't make it into any of our marketing materials.

Radio Times names The Office finale the best Xmas TV

'Tis the season when our favourite programmes receive a festive makeover and we grow nostalgic for the classics of yesteryear. To celebrate, Radio Times' team of critics have compiled their top ten Christmas TV moments and voted The Office's finale their all-time favourite.

What is it like to be part of Adam Riches' show?

To understand more about just what it's like to contribute to such a great show I spoke to three audience members who were pulled onstage by Adam to see how they felt about being such an active part of the evening's proceedings and how it compared to Adam's experience.

Seven questions with... Josie Long

The name Josie Long is one that every comedy lover will know, and is a name that brings a smile to the faces of many, including myself.

'Exhausted' readers shun celebrity memoirs

Readers have grown tired of the slew of celebrity memoirs, with titles by Stephen Fry, Graham Norton and John Cleese selling disappointing numbers, according to publishing industry experts.

TV preview: Brian Pern, A Life In Rock, BBC2, Episode 3

Apart from the absence of a mention for Rik Mayall, the other notable omission at last week's British Comedy Awards was Brian Pern.

Ricky Gervais: I always aim to polarise people

The Derek and Night at the Museum star says, "for everyone who thinks my face brings joy, someone wants to punch the television, and I think that's an important thing"

Greg Davies: we never considered replacing Rik Mayall

The Channel 4 comedy's writer and actor pays tribute to his late co-star and reveals The Young Ones legend was the first comedian to speak to him when he was growing up.

Love Actually tops Radio Times Christmas film poll

There's a been a shock result in our festive Christmas film poll. Once again we asked readers to vote for their favourite, expecting that old favourite It's A Wonderful Live to win (again). Instead it fell to third place and rom-com Love Actually took this year's title.

Radio Times review

A masterpiece in pitch-black comedy from the pairing of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is Good Omens (Mon 22 Dec-Fri 26 Dec, 11pm R4 and Sat 27 Dec, 2.30pm), where two angels - one working with God, the other with Satan - form an unholy alliance. Unfortunately, there has been a bit of a mix-up with the birth of the Antichrist, and the American ambassador's son (Warlock) might not be the child to bring on Armageddon after all. The fate of our planet will be decided after Any Questions on Saturday 27 Dec, Radio 4. Thus was it written...

Fawlty Towers star Andrew Sachs joins EastEnders

The actor will join the turbulent soap after Christmas when some explosive storylines are set to come to a head.

Last Tango in Halifax interview: Nina Sosanya

Nina Sosanya (Teachers, Cape Wrath) is back as Kate in the new season of Last Tango in Halifax next week.

David Jason on Open All Hours: 'It was very emotional'

"The feedback from our Christmas special has been so rewarding and encouraging. It goes to prove that the corner shop is still open all hours."

Mapp and Lucia: Hilarious and delightfully bitchy

Miranda Richardson and Anna Chancellor are on top form in this festive three-parter as two upper-class snobs try to out-do each other by whatever means necessary.

Harry Hill interview

Harry Hill just loved his first straight acting role.

James Corden discusses move to America

James Corden says replacing Craig Ferguson on The Late Late Show will help him be a better dad.

Liam Williams's guide to 2014 for hermits

What went on in pop culture in 2014? Have you been living under a rock? Comedian Liam Williams's reclusive friend has. Here they catch up on the year's big events.

Stella Christmas special preview

Watching Christmas In Pontyberry has definitely whet my appetite for the fourth series.