BCG Daily Sunday 15th November 2020
News
Features
Press clippings
Des O'Connor: From Butlin's to chat show king
Des O'Connor once said that all he did was walk on to the stage, chat to the audience and sing a few songs. It was a formula that made him one of Britain's best-known stars, an old-fashioned showman who could turn his hand to almost anything - fronting his variety programme, hosting chat shows or presiding over the quiz Countdown.
BBC, 15th November 2020Video: Looking back on the career of Des O'Connor
David Sillito takes a look at a career that spanned more than 45 years.
David Sillito, BBC, 15th November 2020Des O'Connor obituary
All-round entertainer whose readiness to take a joke against himself was key to his success.
Stuart Jeffries, The Guardian, 15th November 2020Let's Do It: review
This profile of the astute observer of domesticity is warm-hearted and full of detail.
Hannah Jane Parkinson, The Guardian, 15th November 2020Des O'Connor tribute
He was Alan Partridge if Alan Partridge had been likeable, self-aware and talented.
Ed Power, The Independent, 15th November 2020Review: Joe Wells
The message that 'difference is strength' is a powerful one, and while that in itself isn't inherently funny, in Joe's hands, it is frequently hilarious.
Chris Broom, Portsmouth News, 15th November 2020Des O'Connor: TV's singing self-deprecating Mr Nice Guy
Popular entertainer was for years a punchline of jokes but remained humbly grateful for his success.
Mark Lawson, The Guardian, 15th November 2020Des O'Connor - a life in pictures
The entertainer and TV presenter has died at the age of 88, days after a fall at his home. He was known for prime time shows such as Today With Des And Mel and Des O'Connor Tonight.
Matt Fidler, The Guardian, 15th November 2020Video: Munya Chawawa and Mo Gilligan
Munya Chawawa has joined The Mo Gilligan Podcast to talk about the good and bad of working in comedy.
GRM Daily, 15th November 2020Frank Foucault releases face mask album
In what is believed to be a first for comedy, performer Frank Foucault has released his debut album on a face mask.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 15th November 2020Obituary: Des O'Connor
Des O'Connor, who has died at 88, was born so poor he got rickets, and fainted when he stepped on stage - but despite his mother's immortal words - he became one of Britain's best-loved acts.
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail, 15th November 2020Audio discussion: Getting into comedy in 2020
Suchandrika Chakrabarti talks about the getting into comedy in 2020 and taking part in the Funny Women Stage Awards 2020. The discussion starts at 47 minutes into the broadcast.
BBC, 15th November 2020Andrew Dawson interview
The importance of sketch comedy, writing for entertainment shows, collaborating with David Walliams, what to look for in an agent, going full-time, some gentle trolling... it's all here.
The Comedy Loser, 15th November 2020Videos
TV & radio
Rock On, Tommy: The Bobby Ball Story
Friends, family and co-stars celebrate the life and work of entertainer Bobby Ball.
Frankie Howerd: In His Own Words
An examination of the life and work of Frankie Howerd using his own words and chat show appearances.
Shopping With Keith Lemon
Series 2, Episode 4 - Mark Wright & Caitlyn JennerKeith heads to an adventure park with presenter Mark Wright, and takes TV star Caitlyn Jenner grocery shopping.
Paul Merton's Comic Heroes
Paul Merton explore what motivated the greatest comics in this documentary.