British Comedy Guide Newsletter
Weekly Newsletter Monday 18th February 2019
February is rushing by at a pace - or is just us? We've got lots of exciting updates to share with you soon: in the meantime, here are the latest news stories, features, videos and more for you to enjoy.
Latest Comedy News
Steve Pemberton joins Jack Whitehall's Bounty Hunters Steve Pemberton joins Jack Whitehall's Bounty Hunters

Steve Pemberton will play a sinister private-school teacher in Bounty Hunters. The comedy thriller starring Jack Whitehall returns to Sky One for Series 2 on 14th March. Click through to watch the trailer. Read
Taskmaster Series 8 contestants revealed Taskmaster Series 8 contestants revealed

The contestants for Taskmaster Series 8 will be Iain Stirling, Joe Thomas, Lou Sanders, Paul Sinha and Sian Gibson. The show returns in May. Read
Inside No. 9 Series 5 guest stars revealed Inside No. 9 Series 5 guest stars revealed

Maxine Peake, Ralf Little, Steve Speirs, Jenna Coleman and Kadiff Kirwan are amongst the guest stars announced for the fifth series of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith's Inside No. 9. Read
Paddington to star in Nickelodeon TV series Paddington to star in Nickelodeon TV series

Paddington Bear is to star in a new animated TV series for pre-schoolers. Ben Whishaw will once again voice the character in the series, made for Nickelodeon. Read
Graham Norton and Alan Carr to judge RuPaul's Drag Race UK Graham Norton and Alan Carr to judge RuPaul's Drag Race UK

Graham Norton and Alan Carr will act as judges alongside Michelle Visage on the BBC Three version of RuPaul's Drag Race. Read
Benedict Cumberbatch joins Good Omens ahead of 31st May launch Benedict Cumberbatch joins Good Omens ahead of 31st May launch

It has been revealed that Benedict Cumberbatch will play Satan in Good Omens, as Amazon announces that it will launch the much-anticipated comedy drama worldwide on 31st May. Read
Comedies nominated for Broadcasting Press Guild Awards 2019 Comedies nominated for Broadcasting Press Guild Awards 2019

Car Share, Derry Girls, Inside No. 9 and Women On The Verge are amongst the nominees in the BPG Awards 2019. Read
Network confirms Likely Lads screening event Network confirms Likely Lads screening event

Network Distributing has announced a special screening of the Likely Lads film, plus two newly recovered episodes, and a Q&A with writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. Read
Comedians to watch football for Sky One Comedians to watch football for Sky One

Sky One has ordered an eight-part comedy series called Comedians Watching Football With Friends. The episodes will star comedians including Jon Richardson, Lee Mack and Josh Widdicombe. Read
Colin Leggo wins UK Pun Championships 2019 Colin Leggo wins UK Pun Championships 2019

Colin Leggo won the UK Pun Championships 2019 competition, with gags about the seaside, cold weather and nudist beaches. Read
CBBC orders 52 more episodes of Dennis & Gnasher CBBC orders 52 more episodes of Dennis & Gnasher

CBBC has ordered a second series of Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed!, the animated comedy series following Dennis the Menace. Beano Studios is making 52 more episodes. Read
Advert
Comedians Watching Football With Friends

FREE TICKETS: Be a part of the live studio audience for the most exciting new weekly football entertainment show. Each week Comedians Watching Football With Friends will show two big Premier League matches in the company of football-loving comedians and their celebrity friends. A host of top comedians will be providing a hilarious alternative commentary as they watch each match. Regulars on the series will include: Nish Kumar, Jon Richardson, Emily Dean, Tom Davis, Matt Forde, Joe Wilkinson, Lee Mack, Josh Widdicombe, Adrian Chiles and Iain Stirling. If you bring your team's shirt to the event you will receive two free beers on arrival. Book now to avoid disappointment
Features
Rogue Pun: Zom-Coms, Zapped and a VHS Sanctuary, with Richard Sandling TV Coming Soon

A new season of TV is almost upon us, which means lots of new shows are due to start soon. You can find out what starts when via the list on our website. View
Rogue Pun: Zom-Coms, Zapped and a VHS Sanctuary, with Richard Sandling Rogue Pun: Zom-Coms, Zapped and a VHS Sanctuary, with Richard Sandling

The Perfect Movie host celebrates 10 years of film-and-funnyperson crossovers. Read
Johannes Dullin interview Johannes Dullin interview

An interview with Swiss-German clown-character-sincere-prop-existentialist-dancer-comic Johannes Dullin, who is in the UK for a short tour. Read
Win a copy of Life With Cooper on DVD Win a copy of Life With Cooper on DVD

Win a copy of Life With Cooper on DVD: Tommy Cooper's earliest surviving TV series, from the latter half of the 1960s. Enter
First Gig, Worst Gig: Norris & Parker First Gig, Worst Gig: Norris & Parker

How supportive is Sinead's dad? What happened with Bobby Davro on the boat? And why did they cut the Cumcano? Let's ask Katie Norris and Sinead Parker. Read
British Comedy Quiz #37 British Comedy Quiz #37

Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Coupling and Hancock's Half Hour feature in this week's brainteasers. Answer
Random 8: Robin Morgan Random 8: Robin Morgan

The recently-hitched Robin Morgan is going on tour, but will probably leave the camo cargo strides behind, this time. Read
Podcasts Podcasts

Sathnam Sanghera is on Richard Herring's podcast this week, meanwhile author Jonathan Coe is on Sitcom Geeks. Listen
Advert
Myq Kaplan

New York's cosmic comedian Myq (Mike) Kaplan takes you (and himself, and the universe) on a journey of kindness in his debut London run at the Soho Theatre from 26th February to 2nd March. All Killing Aside is a comedy show about truth, love, and not murdering. Guaranteed to appeal to all the not-murdering enthusiasts out there. SPECIAL OFFER – 2 for 1 tickets with code KILLING241. Info & Tickets
TV Listings
Cold Feet Cold Feet
Monday, ITV, 9pm

Last episode in the series. Adam and Karen are enjoying the excitement of their fledging relationship, but are all too aware that their secret will need to come out sometime. Guide
The Stand Up Sketch Show The Stand Up Sketch Show
Monday, ITV2, 10pm

This week's episode features stand-up from Jonah Ray, Seann Walsh, London Hughes and others. Guide
Pitching In Pitching In
Tuesday, BBC One Wales, 9pm

The new comedy drama continues. Frank and Carys hope themed weekends are the key to making their business work. An Arthurian event seems to be a success, until two rival re-enactment factions get drunk. Guide
Insert Name Here Insert Name Here
Wednesday, BBC Two, 10pm

Andy Hamilton, Suzannah Lipscomb, Naga Munchetty and Reginald D Hunter join captains Richard Osman and Josh Widdicombe as well as host Sue Perkins to answer questions about famous people with the name Jules. Guide
Russell Howard & Mum Russell Howard & Mum
Wednesday, Comedy Central, 10pm

Russell and his mum are in Mumbai, the City of Dreams. Their new mate Alekh is getting them to "Act! Act! Act!" Bollywood style. They also meet the record breaker who will put them off chocolate sauce for life. Guide
Pure Pure
Wednesday, Channel 4, 10pm

Marnie and Charlie try to pick themselves back up after hitting rock-bottom. Marnie gets help from an unexpectedly understanding Shereen while Charlie tries to prove he's up to his old job. Guide
Hypothetical Hypothetical
Wednesday, Dave, 10pm

As their new series continues, Josh Widdicombe and James Acaster are joined by Sara Pascoe, Lou Sanders, Nish Kumar and Ed Gamble. Guide
The Russell Howard Hour The Russell Howard Hour
Thursday, Sky One, 10pm

Another week, and once again Russell Howard will be on our screens on Thursday to offer his unique perspective on the news and current affairs. Guide
QI QI
Friday, BBC Two, 10pm

Sandi Toksvig and Alan Davies are joined by Susan Calman, Holly Walsh and Matt Lucas for an episode that is themed around the topic of post. Guide
The Last Leg The Last Leg
Friday, Channel 4, 10pm

Good Omens star Michael Sheen is set to join the regulars this Friday, to help dissect the week's events and talking points. Guide
Rob And Romesh Vs Rob And Romesh Vs
Friday, Sky One, 10pm

This week's show sees Rob and Romesh hang out with the biggest selling female country star of all time, Shania Twain. Guide
The Big Narstie Show The Big Narstie Show
Friday, Channel 4, 11:05pm

Big Narstie and Mo Gilligan are back for a brand new series of their slightly unhinged late-night series. Guests include Dennis Rodman, Daisy May Cooper, Stephen Dorff and Queer Eye's fashion expert Tan France. Guide
Through The Keyhole Through The Keyhole
Saturday, ITV, 9:25pm

For the last episode in the series, Keith is joined by Janet Street-Porter, Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Rob Beckett. Guide
Out There Out There
Saturday, ITV, 10:25pm

A new comedy pilot from the makers of Mock The Week. It involves comedians performing stand-up routines in real world locations. Guide
Jerk Jerk
Sunday, BBC Three

This comedy series starring Tim Renkow launches as a box set on BBC iPlayer on Sunday. Find out more about the show on our website. Guide
Still Game Still Game
Sunday, BBC Scotland, 9pm

The new BBC Scotland channel launches this Sunday. One of the highlights is the first episode in the new and final series of the popular sitcom. If you live outside of Scotland, it'll be on BBC One later in the year, or you can get it on iPlayer from Sunday. Guide
Burnistoun Burnistoun
Sunday, BBC Scotland, 10pm

A new sketch show special from Robert Florence and Iain Connell will also be on the new BBC Scotland channel this weekend. The Quality Polis are back on the beat while Peter and Scott and the Up Eh Road guys also return. Guide

For a complete list of broadcasts, including repeats and radio comedy, see our full schedule.
New Shop Products
In Your Dreams In Your Dreams DVD

OUT NOW. Dexter Fletcher stars as an embittered dentist with the power to warp reality in Gary Sinyor's In Your Dreams, co-starring Elize du Toit, Parminder Nagra and Linda Hamilton. Albert Ross has grown up into an abject failure: he's done nothing and gone nowhere. One day he suffers a mysterious accident and suddenly finds that whatever he dreams comes true. Details
Cuckoo - Complete Series 4 Cuckoo - Complete Series 4 DVD

PRE-ORDER. Greg Davies and Helen Baxendale return as uptight parents Ken and Lorna Thompson in the complete fourth series of Cuckoo. This BAFTA-nominated comedy co-stars Taylor Lautner as Dale, alongside Esther Smith and Tyger Drew Honey. Not forgetting Kenneth Collard as inimitably insane neighbour Ken. Aired early last year, this series will be released in mid-March. Details
Johnny English - 3-Movie Collection Johnny English - 3-Movie Collection Blu-ray, DVD

OUT NOW. The latest box office smash Johnny English film - starring Rowan Atkinson - is out to own today (on its own, also available on 4K UHD Blu-ray), and can also be bought in this triple-disc set with the prior two hit films. Ben Miller, Daniel Kaluuya, Emma Thompson and Natalie Imbruglia are amongst the co-stars in these spy capers. They're fabulous family fun. Details
Red Dwarf - Complete Series I - VIII Red Dwarf - Complete Series I - VIII Blu-ray

OUT NOW. For the first time, own the first eight series of the cult sitcom on Blu-ray - remastered in high-definition. Whilst not as crisp as native HD, it's a step up in picture and sound quality from the existing DVD releases, and comes with all the previously issued extras, plus a new booklet. We've got a copy to give away, and the competition ends this week. Details
Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators - Series One Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators - Series One Blu-ray

PRE-ORDER. BBC One Daytime's hit crime mystery comedy drama is back for a second series next Monday, with this Blu-ray edition of Series 1 due to for release alongside Series 2 early next month. Already available on DVD, it stars Jo Joyner and Mark Benton as Luella Shakespeare and Frank Hathaway, private detectives practising their unique skill around Stratford-upon-Avon. Details
Catastrophe - The Complete Series 1 - 4 Catastrophe - The Complete Series 1 - 4 DVD

OUT NOW. All four series of the hit Channel 4 sitcom starring and written by Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney. Instant chemistry, accidental pregnancy and genuine disaster provide the foundation for the flaming hovel of a relationship between an American man and Irish woman in England's vibrant capital city. Details
Want more suggestions? Check out our shop newsletter or see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
Comedy Videos
Living Your Best Life Living Your Best Life

Here's the latest trends from identical twin instagram famous influencers The Ramsley Twins. Apparently the hashtag 'living your best life' is OUT... the latest instagram trend is... just live your actual life?! Watch
Brett Domino - Lunchtime Lover Brett Domino - Lunchtime Lover

To celebrate Valentines Day last week, Brett Domino released his romantic new single, Lunchtime Lover. Watch
Things I Smashed Things I Smashed

Matt Tiller says: "Here's my new single - Things I Smashed. It's about how I drop stuff all the time. Mugs, plates, vases and glasses; you name it, I've smashed it. But it's a love song too." Watch
Money Habits - Money

Mike Wozniak guest stars in the latest episode of this web series by Alys Metcalf and Roxy Dunn. He plays a make-up salesman. There's three other episodes to watch on the site too. Watch
Online exclusive: extended puppets scene Hypothetical - bonus puppets scenes

This web-exclusive extended scene from last week's episode features James, Josh and the guests carrying out more hypothetical scenes involving their puppets. Watch
Trailer Yesterday - Trailer

The trailer for the new film by Richard Curtis and Danny Boyle. It's about a struggling musician who - after a mysterious global blackout - becomes the only person to remember The Beatles. He starts to get rich by playing their songs. Watch
Series 2 Derry Girls - Series 2

The trailer for the much anticipated second series of the Channel 4 sitcom set during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Watch
Making hot online content for no money Making hot online content for no money

The sketch group Massive Dad have had a go at making an online viral video without using any money. They, er, might need some help on the technical front. Watch
Trailer The Overcoat - Trailer

A lonely social outcast gets a glimpse of what life is like for someone popular, and cannot let it go, even in death. This short film starring Jason Watkins is now available to download on iTunes. Watch
Guide Spotlight
Guide Spotlight Two In Clover

Predating its more famous spiritual sibling The Good Life by almost six full years, back-to-the-earth sitcom Two In Clover was first aired 50 years ago today. Sid James and Victor Spinetti starred in the comedy about a pair of friends and city workers who quit the rat-race and buy a farm in the country, despite having no suitable experience or knowledge whatsoever. It ran for 2 series and is out on DVD. Guide
Thanks for reading
We'll be back in your inbox next Monday. Look out for interviews then with Alan Partridge, Martin Clunes, the Still Game stars, Mark Benton, Jo Joyner and much more.

British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk

BCG on social media:
Twitter   Facebook   Instagram