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BCG Daily Monday 5th January 2015

News

Features

Press clippings

Nick Helm interview

Nick Helm has just come to the end of an insanely busy year, with two television shows, 'a greatest hits' Edinburgh show and, finally, a two-week run of a new Christmas show in London - all bookended by two Best Breakthrough awards. After a fantastic, if difficult, show on Black Eye Friday, I asked him some questions which he answered at unexpected length.

Molly Stewart, Giggle Beats, 5th January 2015

Comedian goes on rant against Katie Hopkins, nails it

Comedian and The Last Leg presenter Adam Hills last went viral with his tirade against the Westboro Baptist Church. His rant against their British equivalent, Katie Hopkins, deserves to do just as well.

The Independent, 5th January 2015

Broughty Ferry TV comedy proves serious hit

More than 250,000 people tuned in to the latest episode of Bob Servant this month, making it the best-watched BBC Scotland comedy of 2014.

Bryan Copland, Dundee Telegraph, 5th January 2015

Malcolm Hardee: born 65 years ago today

R.I.P Malcolm Hardee, godfather of alternative comedy. Born 65 years ago today, drowned 10 years ago this month. (5th January 1950 - 31st January 2005).

John Fleming, John Fleming's Blog, 5th January 2015

30,000 protest against C4's famine comedy

A petition against Channel 4's decision to explore a comedy set against the backdrop of the Irish famine has attracted almost 30,000 signatures.

Chortle, 5th January 2015

List of sitcoms set against the backdrop of tragedy

In response to the news that Channel 4 has commissioned a sitcom set during the Irish potato famine, he are some other sitcoms set during tragic events, including Blackadder Goes Forth, Dad's Army and Bluestone 42.

Chortle, 5th January 2015

Review: Eric and Little Ern at St James theatre review

In a decade oversubscribed with crude comedy, courtesy of the likes of Dapper Laughs and Jeremy Clarkson, it's soothing to remember the innocent humour of British double act Morecambe & Wise.

Laura Foulger, The Upcoming, 5th January 2015

Gay banner removed from Pride DVD cover in US

CBS Films has said it will look into why references to homosexuality were removed from the DVD cover of the US release of British film Pride.

BBC News, 5th January 2015

Arrest warrant issued for Adam Deacon

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of actor Adam Deacon after he failed to appear in court in London to answer a charge of harassment.

BBC News, 5th January 2015

Edina and Patsy should not come back

Considering the inconsistent quality of the last three Ab Fab specials, which aired between December 2011 and July 2012, it's difficult to summon up much enthusiasm for a spin-off from a show which many now believe has long since past its sell-by date.

Jon O'Brien, Metro, 5th January 2015

Harry Hill shares his career highlights

With a television career spanning more than 20 years, comedian Harry Hill has presented some of the funniest shows on the box including his own sketch series Harry Hill's TV Burp and You've Been Framed.

The Mirror, 5th January 2015

David O'Doherty interview

Why David O'Doherty is happy being the laughing stock.

The Herald, 5th January 2015

Count Arthur Strong series 2 preview

If you were a fan of the first series, you'll be pleased to hear that you're in for more of the same madcap comedy.

Elliot Gonzalez, I Talk Telly, 5th January 2015

Count Arthur Strong's favourite TV

The semi-retired music hall entertainer on why you should bring back Juliet Bravo and how he finds Duck Dynasty a turn-off.

The Guardian, 5th January 2015

'Allo 'Allo! star Roger Kitter dies

Tributes have been paid to Roger Kitter, who played Captain Alberto Bertorelli in 'Allo 'Allo!, who has died at the age of 64.

Chortle, 5th January 2015

The Last Leg of the Year review

This the best sort of yearly review: one which takes place after the whole year has taken place, because you never know what sort of events are going to take place on the last few days of the year... and indeed something did happen which caused a bit of conflict between host Adam Hills and the viewers.

Ian Wolf, On The Box, 5th January 2015

ITV2 makes Cockroaches available online

Cockroaches is now available to watch online, before its premiere on ITV2.

Katy Finbow, Digital Spy, 5th January 2015

Review - Piccadilly Comedy Club New Act 2014 final

Impressive stuff from stand-up's bright young things ...

London Is Funny, 5th January 2015

Edina and Patsy should not come back

Twenty years after first starting work on its script, Jennifer Saunders has this week promised that the Absolutely Fabulous movie will finally begin filming some time this year.

Jon O'Brien, Metro, 5th January 2015

Jennifer Saunders reveals 'euphoria' for Ab Fab script

Sweetie darling! Jennifer Saunders reveals her 'euphoria' after finally completing first draft of Absolutely Fabulous movie script.

Louise Saunders, Daily Mail, 5th January 2015

Alan Davies As Yet Untitled - Season 2 review

"We don't have any questions, or even an intro...", chuckles Alan Davies, shortly before his guests join him for the second series of As Yet Untitled. It's the show that brings together some of Britain's favourite comics for a few pints and directionless chit-chat. If you're lucky you'll hear them spill some juicy secrets from the past. If not, you're still in for an hour of unscripted comedy gold.

Jennah Dean, On The Box, 5th January 2015

Father Ted the musical is a heavenly idea says Linehan

The co-creator of the classic Channel 4 comedy says he wants to bring the show back as a musical with dancing and "spinning cardinals"

Ben Dowell, Radio Times, 5th January 2015

Nick Robinson: Russell Brand is wrong on not voting

The BBC's political editor also says he'd rather quit than be impartial about democracy.

Claire Webb, Radio Times, 5th January 2015

Sue Perkins: "It's not all right to make rape jokes"

The Bake Off host worries comedy has become tribal - but believes there's never been a better time to be a young female comic.

Claire Webb, Radio Times, 5th January 2015

Interview - Omid Djalili: Iranalamadingdong

"I've done lots of different things and enjoyed them but stand-up is definitely a love."

The Dundee Courier, 5th January 2015

Gein's Family Giftshop keeps on giving

Last year belonged to sketch group Gein's Family Giftshop. Now, it's their turn to tell us who we should be watching out for in 2015 - no pressure, guys.

John Stansfield, The Skinny, 5th January 2015

Five reasons to see Nish Kumar

We predict big things for this smart stand-up over the next 12 months.

Ben Williams, Time Out, 5th January 2015

Videos

Podcasts

TV & radio

BBC Radio 4 Extra 9:30am
30 min
Britain Versus The World. Image shows from L to R: Hal Cruttenden, Ed Byrne, Henning Wehn. Copyright: John Stanley Productions

Britain Versus The World

Episode 3

Hal Cruttenden is joined by Holly Walsh while Henning Wehn is teamed with Swedish stand-up Fredrik Andersson.

Radio 4 11:30am
30 min
The Best Laid Plans. Image shows from L to R: Smallbone (Ardal O'Hanlon), God (Geoffrey McGivern). Copyright: Lucky Giant

The Best Laid Plans

Episode 1 - A Slight Admin Error

Smallbone learns to use his new human body and ends up taking on the CEO of Grapefruit, a powerful technology company that wants to knock down the local library to expand their store.

CBeebies logo. Credit: BBC 5:15pm
15 min
Gigglebiz. Justin Fletcher. Copyright: BBC

Gigglebiz

Series 4, Episode 1

Professor Muddles tests the strength of ants, while two judges watch Keith Fitt set his football world record.

Radio 4 6:30pm
30 min
The Unbelievable Truth. David Mitchell. Copyright: BBC / Random Entertainment

The Unbelievable Truth

Series 14, Episode 2

David Mitchell is joined by Ed Byrne, Henning Wehn, Holly Walsh and Richard Osman as they lie on the subjects of Ireland, rules, London and beavers.

BBC Two 10pm
30 min
Backchat. Image shows from L to R: Michael Whitehall, Jack Whitehall. Copyright: Tiger Aspect Productions

Backchat

Series 2, Episode 1

Join Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael, as Backchat moves to BBC Two for the new series of their comedy chat show. This week Jack embraces all things musical with David Walliams and Michael Ball.

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