Weekly Newsletter

Monday 8th April 2019

Time for our weekly update. We've tweaked the design a bit this week, but if the images are not looking right please let us know which device you're using.

Latest comedy news

John Bishop to host new game show pilot

John Bishop to host new game show pilot

John Bishop is to present a new game show pilot that "celebrates British cities". The pilot will be filmed in Manchester.

Rhod Gilbert to leave Radio Wales

Rhod Gilbert to leave Radio Wales

The BBC has announced that, after 13 years, Rhod Gilbert is to leave his Saturday morning show on BBC Radio Wales.

Netflix confirms Series 2 of Ricky Gervais sitcom After Life

Netflix confirms Series 2 of Ricky Gervais sitcom After Life

After Life, the Netflix sitcom created by Ricky Gervais, is to return for a second series in 2020.

Elis James and John Robins join BBC Radio 5 Live

Elis James and John Robins join BBC Radio 5 Live

Elis James and John Robins are joining BBC Radio 5 Live. The comedians, who have been presenting together on commercial station Radio X since 2014, will host a new weekly entertainment show on the BBC station, beginning on Friday 31st May.

Jo Brand wins Legend Of Comedy Award

Jo Brand wins Legend Of Comedy Award

Jo Brand has won the Legend Of Comedy Award at Leicester Comedy Festival's annual award ceremony.

Advert

Melinda Hughes

International satirist Melinda Hughes hosts another riotous evening of musical comedy backed by a live jazz trio at London's Live At Zedel on Wednesday (10th April). Melinda will be performing newly written songs about hipsters, lost love, internet trolling, selfies, cougars and more. Her cult alter-ego Melania Trump will also make an appearance, making this a hilarious and unmissable evening. Info & tickets

Features

Toby Jones interview

Toby Jones interview

Toby Jones has co-written and stars in new BBC comedy Don't Forget The Driver. He explains more about the show in this interview.

Miles Chapman and Mark O'Sullivan interview

Miles Chapman and Mark O'Sullivan interview

Miles Chapman and Mark O'Sullivan are back for Series 2 of their sitcom, Lee & Dean. BCG chatted to them to find out what's ahead.

Amused Moose National New Comic 2019 finalists

BCG Pro features

If you write, perform or produce comedy, check out our new BCG Pro site for lots of features and news related to the comedy industry. From details of who is through to the Amused Moose final, to a podcast on the importance of writing for multiple mediums, there's lots to read, watch and see.

Billy Connolly is Grand Marshal of New York City Tartan Day Parade 2019

Billy Connolly was Grand Marshal of New York City Tartan Day Parade 2019

Billy Connolly acted as the Grand Marshal of the New York City Tartan Day Parade at the weekend.

Joe Lycett interview

Joe Lycett interview

Joe Lycett introduces his new series and explains why Channel 4's lawyers now hate him.

First Gig, Worst Gig: Demetri Martin

First Gig, Worst Gig: Demetri Martin

He's one of America's finest stand-ups, but which gig was "an unprecedented mix of surprise, rejection, failure and confusion"? Demetri Martin spills the beans.

William Andrews on his return to comedy

William Andrews on his return to comedy

After a long sabbatical, William Andrews is back performing comedy. In this article he talks about what it is like to return... well, he sort of talks about that.

John Rutledge - The Unexplainers interview

John Rutledge - The Unexplainers interview

John Rutledge - AKA Eggsy - talks to us about The Unexplainers, the TV show in which he and Mike Bubbins investigate the supernatural. Apparently ghosts don't show up on cameras?!

Apply to be an Edinburgh Comedy Awards judge

Apply to be an Edinburgh Comedy Awards judge

The Edinburgh Comedy Awards are looking for comedy fans to join their 2019 judging panel.

British Comedy Quiz #44

British Comedy Quiz #44

What was the name of John Sullivan's comedy drama about a mini-cab firm? Any ideas? It's one of the questions in this week's quiz.

Podcasts

Podcasts

The Sitcom Geeks podcasts chats to Likely Lads writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. Meanwhile David Morrissey is on Richard Herring's podcast. There's also a new episode of Pappy's Flatshare Slamdown to enjoy.

TV listings

Fleabag

Fleabag

iPlayer, now; BBC One, Monday 10:35pm

It's the final ever episode of the comedy. As secrets are revealed and decisions are made, will Fleabag find the ending she's looking for?

Timewasters

Timewasters

ITV2, Monday 10pm

Nick befriends some West Indians and Horace befriends some Teddy Boys, but when the two groups meet, it sparks a race riot. Last in the series. Our fingers are tightly crossed for a recommission.

The Unexplainers

The Unexplainers

BBC Two Wales, Monday 10pm

The team take a trip to Carew Castle, where they meet a storyteller in the haunted north-west tower; and in Llangollen, at a Faery Festival, Mike and John learn that if you want to see a fairy, you mustn't think about seeing a fairy.

Derry Girls

Derry Girls

Channel 4, Tuesday 9pm

As Christmas approaches, excitement in Derry is at fever pitch for President Bill Clinton's visit. Meanwhile James gets a surprise and Granda Joe embarks on a mysterious plan of his own.

Home

Home

Channel 4, Tuesday 9:30pm

With the day of his substantive interview fast approaching, Sami is desperate to make a good impression. But is Britain actually where his heart lies?

Don't Forget The Driver

Don't Forget The Driver

BBC Two, Tuesday 10pm

Brand new comedy about a coach driver and single father (played by Toby Jones) whose mundane life is challenged.

Your Face Or Mine

Your Face Or Mine

Comedy Central, Wednesday 8pm

Celebrity Big Brother contestant and ex-professional footballer Jermaine Pennant is next up on the sofa with glamour model wife, Alice Goodwin.

Urban Myths: Princess Diana, Freddie Mercury And Kenny Everett

Urban Myths: Princess Diana, Freddie Mercury And Kenny Everett

Sky Arts, Wednesday 9pm

The first in a new series of Sky Arts' Urban Myths strand. This one imagines what happened when Freddie Mercury and Kenny Everett disguised Princess Diana for a night out in London.

White Gold

White Gold

BBC Two, Wednesday 10pm

In the final episode, Ronnie is still missing and Ronnie Jr is in turmoil. Meanwhile, Vincent has to decide who to take to Spain with him - Sam and the kids or arch-rival Jo Scott.

The Comedy Bus

The Comedy Bus

Comedy Central, Wednesday 10pm

A new comedy format in which six comedians travel together to their respective home towns. Find more details and a clip on our website.

The Hangover Games

The Hangover Games

E4, Wednesday 11:05pm

In west London five friends take part in what they think is a documentary about partying hard. There's a game with a coffin, a truth or dare version of spin the bottle, and some revelations concerning secret snogging.

Dead Pixels

Dead Pixels

E4, Thursday 9:30pm

The computer game-focused comedy continues. Meg and Nicky decide to get married in the game and things quickly get complicated.

Celebrity Juice

Celebrity Juice

ITV2, Thursday 10pm

Joining the panel this week are reality lovebirds Gemma Collins and James 'Arg' Argent, Ru-Paul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, singer John Newman and showbiz guru Richard Arnold.

Lee And Dean

Lee And Dean

Channel 4, Thursday 10pm

Series 2 of the sitcom about two builders. Scattered to the four corners of - well, Stevenage - best mates Lee and Dean are no more... until a funeral brings them back together.

Scot Squad

Scot Squad

BBC Scotland, Thursday 10pm

The Queen of Chat, Lorraine Kelly, finds out the law is king in this week's episode of the mockumentary; and rural coppers call for back up from Mother Nature.

Porters

Porters

Dave, Thursday 10pm

To escape his mother's zeal at bedding her new boyfriend, Simon begins secretly sleeping at the hospital. Meanwhile, a long-term coma patient wakes up after a new operation, but thinks she is still a child.

Frankie Boyle's New World Order

Frankie Boyle's New World Order

BBC Two, Thursday 10pm

Frankie Boyle dissects the week's news again on Thursday, with contributions from Miles Jupp and regular panellist Sara Pascoe.

Al Murray's Great British Pub Quiz

Al Murray's Great British Pub Quiz

Quest, Thursday 10pm

Kerry Godliman and Andy Parsons oversee the battle between The Beehive from Somerset and the Wheelwright Arms from Chester.

Comedians Watching Football With Friends

Comedians Watching Football With Friends

Sky One, Thursday 10pm

The laughs continue as Nish Kumar, Joe Wilkinson, Alex Brooker, Matt Forde, Jon Richardson and Rachel Yankey tune into the weekend's football.

Joe Lycett's Got Your Back

Joe Lycett's Got Your Back

Channel 4, Friday 8:30pm

Joe Lycett's celebrity guest is Richard Madeley. They pull back the covers on sub-par hotel rooms and take low budget airlines for a bumpy ride.

Have I Got News For You

Have I Got News For You

BBC One, Friday 9pm

Alan Johnson is host, with journalist and author Tim Shipman and comedian Janey Godley joining Ian Hislop and Paul Merton as guest panellists.

The Graham Norton Show

The Graham Norton Show

BBC One, Friday 10:35pm

Chris Hemsworth and Paul Rudd are on the show to promote Avengers: End Game. It's a packed one, with Julianne Moore, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington and musician Tom Walker also appearing.

The Big Narstie Show

The Big Narstie Show

Channel 4, Friday 11:05pm

The final show of the current series will feature guests including Rio Ferdinand, Lorraine Kelly, London Hughes and Unknown T.

All Round To Mrs. Brown's

All Round To Mrs. Brown's

BBC One, Saturday 9:10pm

Agnes and the family are joined by sports presenter Clare Balding, comedian Johnny Vegas, and Made In Chelsea stars Jamie Laing and Spencer Matthews.

The Jonathan Ross Show

The Jonathan Ross Show

ITV, Saturday 9:25pm

Jonathan Ross continues to give some comedy people a nice prime-time promo spot. This time: stand-up Sara Pascoe and actor Samson Kayo. Also: Jeremy Clarkson, Emma Bunton and Mumford and Sons.

8 Out Of 10 Cats

8 Out Of 10 Cats

E4, Sunday 9pm

Rob Beckett and guest team captain Katherine Ryan are helped by Johnny Vegas, Alex Brooker, Anna Richardson and Sophie Duker.

For a complete list of broadcasts, including repeats and radio comedy, see our full schedule.

Shop

Home

Home

Pre-order: DVD

Actor Rufus Jones co-stars in his debut series as a writer, in the remarkably funny Home. Returning from a holiday in France with his girlfriend and her son John, Peter and Katy are alarmed to discover a Syrian asylum seeker hidden in the boot of their car. Gradually the family welcomes this newcomer into their lives, but his presence does not come without a certain amount of upset, challenging the views and attitudes of all concerned.

Fleabag - Series Two

Fleabag - Series Two

Pre-order: Blu-ray, DVD

Fleabag is back, starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Picking up shortly after the end of Series 1, it charts another tumultuous period in our heroine's life. Fleabag's family is as dysfunctional as ever: her uptight sister Claire hasn't forgiven her, and Claire's obnoxious alcoholic husband is still on the scene. Meanwhile, their father and godmother announce their impending marriage - bringing a Priest into their lives in the process. When Fleabag finds herself falling for the churchman, things get more complicated still.

This Time With Alan Partridge

This Time With Alan Partridge

Out now: DVD

The comedy icon returns to mark the 25th anniversary of his BBC debut. Steve Coogan stars in the critically lauded series that mercilessly spoofs TV magazine formats, The One Show in particular.

Dead In A Week (Or Your Money Back)

Dead In A Week (Or Your Money Back)

Pre-order: DVD

William can't take it any more. The futility of existence has become too much. However, after ten failed attempts to kill himself he decides to outsource his suicide to an elderly hitman called Leslie (Tom Wilkinson). Leslie seems very keen; he even has a brochure offering different demise options, from the deluxe 'hero's death' to the no-frills 'quick and painless'. What happens, though, if William changes his mind?

Stan & Ollie

Stan & Ollie

Pre-order: Download, Blu-ray, DVD

Stan & Ollie, the exceptional UK box office smash-hit tells the untold story of the world's greatest comedy double act. Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly deliver stunning and uncanny performances as the legendary Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in this biopic, charting the duo's 1953 tour of the UK and Ireland, long after their Hollywood fame had subdued - and the final performances they ever gave. It'll be available to download from 6th May, and on DVD and Blu-ray on 3rd June.

For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.

Comedy videos

Tim Vine at Melbourne Comedy Festival

Tim Vine at Melbourne Comedy Festival

Some daft gags from the punslinger, appearing at an Australian comedy festival.

Jimmy Tamley on Britain's Got Talent

Jimmy Tamley on Britain's Got Talent

Ventriloquist Jimmy Tamley appeared on Britain's Got Talent at the weekend. Here's his audition, if you missed it.

Flaps - When You Have The Hangover From Hell

Flaps - When You Have The Hangover From Hell

As a young woman lies dying, surrounded by friends and family, her housemate might have the diagnosis for her mysterious illness.

The Midnight Beast recreate their Tik Tok parody 10 years on

The Midnight Beast recreate their Tik Tok parody 10 years on

10 years ago, The Midnight Beast burst on to the scene with a parody of Ke$ha's Tik Tok. The video has since been viewed over 16 million times. Now they recreate the video as the 2019 versions of themselves.

Ronald Pickle

Ronald Pickle

The tragic tale of a man named Ronald Pickle.

Reboxing With Clarissa Maycock - Heidi Regan's Milk Frother

Reboxing With Clarissa Maycock

A three part web series in which comedians, er, put products back in their boxes.

Hammerhead

Hammerhead

A darkly comic poetic film by Dave Walker, about an oceanic mistaken identity.

Wash my window panes

Wash my window panes

A joyous song from Simon Panrucker. When good weather comes sometimes it shines light on your disgusting windows and you know what you need to do...

Hypothetical - Outtakes

Hypothetical - Outtakes

Some bits of James Acaster and Josh Widdicombe that you didn't see on TV.

Brian Blessed, Joe Pasquale and Nish Kumar voice Beasts Of London

Brian Blessed, Joe Pasquale and Nish Kumar voice Beasts Of London

Brian Blessed, Joe Pasquale, Nish Kumar and Angellica Bell are amongst those providing voices for The Museum of London's Beasts Of London exhibition.

Robert White - Autism song

Robert White - Autism song

A personal song from comedian Robert White, to tie in with Autism Awareness Week.

Spotlight

Title

Plunkett & Macleane

Trainspotting stars Robert Carlyle and Jonny Lee Miller reunite in this 1999 comic action-adventure film, set in the late 1740s. The pair star as the titular duo, one a hardened highwayman and one a down-at-heel gentleman, who meet in prison and see an opportunity to combine their unique and opposing worlds and experiences in a most profitable manner, but robbing blind the upper echelons of English society. However, when Macleane finds himself spellbound by an elligible young Lady (Liv Tyler) - and she, seemingly, likewise - the stakes are raised. Ken Stott, Michael Gambon and Alan Cumming co-star, with guest appearances from the likes of Lucas & Walliams, Armstrong & Miller, Claire Rushbrook and Noel Fielding. The period romp was released as a new Blu-ray restoration last summer, available to buy now.

Thanks for reading

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