BCG Daily Wednesday 15th July 2020

Rory Bremner defends impressions of black celebrities

Impressionist Rory Bremner has defended his portrayals of black celebrities - inculding Ainsley Harriott and Sir Trevor McDonald - and insisted he wasn't being racist.

Jessica Fostekew presents live episode of her podcast

Joining her will be Tom Allen, Briony May Williams and Zoe Adjonyoh.

New Spitting Image sold to Belgium

Broadcaster SBS Belgium have picked up the first two new series of the iconic British satirical take on global events, Spitting Image.

Jim Davidson calls for BBC to axe Gary Lineker

The 66-year-old comedian has taken aim at the retired footballer's "lefty political views", and insisted TV bosses should look at replacing the programme's presenter with former Arsenal striker-turned-pundit Ian Wright.

Richard Blackwood tried to shoot himself

Stand-up turned Hollyoaks actor Richard Blackwood has revealed he once tried to shoot himself by putting a gun in his mouth, but he was saved when an ex knocked the weapon out of his hand.

Ricky Gervais hits out at 'cancel culture' & 'wokeness'

Ricky Gervais has criticised cancel culture and wokeness as a "weird sort of fascism".

The comedian and actor, 59, spoke up in defence of free speech in a recent interview with TalkRADIO amid the growth of a movement that shames and silences anyone with opposing views.

Comedies announced for Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Monday night shows will start on August 17 with Rob Beckett, followed by Jimmy Carr (Aug 24) and Russell Brand (Sept 14) and Kerry Godliman, Judi Love and Russell Kane on Sept 21. Two further gigs will take place on September 7 at 6pm and 9pm and will feature Suzi Ruffell, Sindhu Vee, Olga Koch and Gabby Best with more names to be announced - the shows will have different line-ups.

The Other One heads to America on Acorn TV

Streaming service Acorn TV, part of AMC Networks, has brought the rights to the seven-part series, which it will broadcast in the US, Canada and Mexico next month.

Drive in comedy gigs cancelled

Shows being staged by Live Nation in conjunction with The Comedy Store have been cancelled. This is believed to be due to concerns over further local coronavirus lockdowns. Some drive-in comedy shows are currently still being shown as taking place on the Ticketmaster website but others are showing as no longer happening.