BCG Daily Wednesday 24th December 2014

Professor Branestawm: Why you should tune in

Although he's supported by a starry British cast including the always brilliant Vicki Pepperdine, Simon Day, David Mitchell and Ben Miller this is definitely Hill's big outing, and whether you enjoy it or not obviously depends on whether you actually like the former comedian turned King of Bloopers.

Sarah Millican's Christmas list

This year the comedian is looking for satsumas, nuts and no surprises...

Sarah Hadland: saying a final farewell to Miranda

"I read it all, ringing her in between and going, 'Reaaaaally? Is that what's going to happen?!'" says Hadland, who plays best friend Stevie in the hit BBC One sitcom.

Harry Hill: childhood stink bombs inspired performance

The comedian reveals his childhood Christmas memories now he is a dad.

Radio Times review

There are certain RT people who have very fond memories of Norman Hunter's Professor Branestawm books from our primary school days and even after all these years we're a bit protective. But I think we're in safe hands, judging by the few clips that were available for preview. Harry Hill, a long-time master of eye-popping anarchy, actually looks the part of Hunter's bonkers, absent-minded inventor, a good-hearted buffoon who never does anything right.

Branestawm is the bane of his pretty village, Pagwell, where a buttoned-up, officious windbag of a councillor, Harold Haggerstone (David Mitchell), decides he's a menace to health and safety and wants his explosion-prone "workshop" closed down.

But of course this pettifogging bureaucrat has an ulterior motive: he wants to pave the way for evil businessman Mr Bullimore (Ben Miller) to open a munitions factory. It's deliciously old-fashioned, and could well be a lot of fun.

Radio Times review

Slacker Lee, in pyjama bottoms, slumped in front of the telly, eating cereal straight from the box, is at the eye of a big festive occasion. But his pint-sized Death Star, his dad Frank (the peerless Bobby Ball) looms large. Or, rather, small.

Inevitably, this means the pair of them get drunk, and their night on the tiles is encapsulated in a brilliant montage of increasing degradation. It's a classic Not Going Out sequence in an episode that's surprisingly poignant. Maybe it's something to do with the time of year.

There are loads of great gags from Lee Mack, the human joke-rocket-launcher, while the stately Geoffrey Whitehead, as Lucy's fridge-freezer father, steals every scene. And watch out for some special guests...

Radio Times review

The Lichfield love triangle is finally resolved in this delightfully silly special: Rachel is struggling to choose between nice-but-dull boyfriend Ben and the hunky-but-bonkers American who just happens to be the son of her late husband. As always, the real reason to tune in is Greg Davies who plays curmudgeonly dad Ken and inevitably ends up in a Santa Claus suit cussing wide-eyed children.

Meanwhile, Mum - a trilling Helen Baxendale - jumps to the wrong conclusion after suffering a fainting fit. Hang in there for the musical interlude crooned by Outnumbered veteran Tyger Drew-Honey.

Radio Times review

Ho and, to an extent, ho. Brace yourselves for the favourite gags of men from around the country who like to don baggy red trousers and an elasticated beard at around this time of year. Some of the jokes are merrily hovering just below cracker standard, and several are only fit for repetition once the kids are in bed and everyone's had five cooking sherries.

If your Christmas has been a thankless whirl of herding, fixing and organising, this sort of grown-up silliness could be the perfect way to let off steam.

Jonathan Ross brands rival Graham Norton a ''d**k''

Jonathan Ross has hit out at fellow chat show host Graham Norton, branding his BBC rival a "d**k" for appearing immodest in his acceptance speech at The British Comedy Awards earlier this month.

Mapp and Lucia: A tale of two genteel rivals revived

A comic saga of two staunch rivals, their one-upmanship and eccentric friends in a 1930s Sussex town has been revived for the small screen.

James Corden to be made an OBE in the New Year Honours

It is reported the Gavin & Stacey star, 36, will honoured in the annual list published on December 31

Lee Mack: Christmas episode could be the last

Lee Mack has hinted that Not Going Out is coming to an end after eight years.

TV preview: Professor Branestawm

Charlie Higson says "It's very satisfying bringing to life a book that you love. You do worry about not doing it justice, but hopefully it will help revive people's interest in Norman Hunter's wonderful books."

The Royle Family Christmas special attracts over 4m

A repeat of The Royle Family was the most watched peak time programmes last night (December 23) outside of soaps, according to overnight data.

Gavin Webster named 2014 comedian's comedian

The Geordie stand-up has been named the UK Circuit Comedian of the Year 2014 in a vote by 187 of his fellow acts.

TV preview: House of Fools Christmas Special, BBC2

Thank goodness for Vic and Bob. If you watch the first five minutes of this special with your eyes closed you could almost be hearing a vintage episode of The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer. There's a song, some cartoon thumping and Bob saying "don't matter" just like he did all those years ago. This is V&B back on form at their bizarre best.

Only Fools and Horses: Reliant Robin inspires pub crawl

A group of friends have built a replica of Only Fools and Horses' Reliant Robin so they could arrive to a pub crawl in style.

Mrs. Brown's Boys Christmas special preview

The Christmas special is some mildly amusing if unsatisfying comedy that's an easy watch if you want to put something on the TV, but this is a present that's best put back under the tree.

Miranda: everything you need to know about the finale

Miranda Hart is saying goodbye to her goofy TV namesake, but who will Miranda end up with? Gary or, er, herself?

Professor Branestawm: a great Christmas treat

The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm is overall a triumph. Harry Hill is marvellous as the bonkers, yet lovable Professor. The show is fun, innovative and entertaining and it could easily be worth creating a series out of the strength of this special, and I for one would love to see the return of Harry in this debut role.

Les Dawson was almost Victor Meldrew

Les Dawson was almost cast as Victor Meldrew in One Foot In The Grave. Writer David Renwick has revealed the comedian was his second choice for the role, which he had always written with Richard Wilson in mind.

Birds Of A Feather preview

Will they actually get to the Tenerife or will they remain in Chigwell for Christmas? Well you'll have to tune in to see, but either way, one thing's for sure, it's a very entertaining episode and sets a great tone for the rest of the series.

Professor Branestawm review

In spite of my issues with the recurrent use of CGI, the scattershot humour and how wasted the stars were in bit parts, I enjoyed The Incredible Adventures Of Professor Branestawm.

Sarah Millican: Lonely this Christmas?

For the fourth year running, Sarah Millican will be on Twitter asking those in need of company on Christmas Day to #joinin. She tells Standard Issue how it started and what it means.