Weekly Newsletter |
Monday 26th October 2020 |
As we enter the spookiest week of the year (really, how is Halloween already upon us?!), it's time to lighten the mood with your regular Monday dose of comedy updates.
Latest comedy news
iPlayer adds Vicar Of Dibley, Catherine Tate and Royle Family
BBC iPlayer has added all the episodes of The Vicar Of Dibley, The Catherine Tate Show and The Royle Family. Further box sets are to follow, including Blackadder and Gimme Gimme Gimme.
The News Quiz names Andy Zaltzman as permanent host
Andy Zaltzman will be the new permanent host of The News Quiz, Radio 4 has revealed.
Gurney Slade gets deluxe restoration box set
A 60th anniversary HD restoration of the ground-breaking surreal sitcom The Strange World Of Gurney Slade, starring Anthony Newley, has been announced. A limited edition Blu-ray box set is available to order.
Two Doors Down to return for Christmas special
BBC Two has revealed that Two Doors Down will return for a surprise Christmas special, ahead of a fifth series arriving on the channel in 2021.
Grace Campbell has written a book about shame
Comedian Grace Campbell has written Amazing Disgrace: A Book About Shame. In it, she opens up about competing with Tony Blair for the attention of her spin doctor father, Alastair Campbell.
Michael Sheen and David Tennant film Staged Series 2
David Tennant and Michael Sheen are filming a second series of Staged, the critically acclaimed BBC One sitcom that sees them preparing a play over Zoom calls.
Comedians take part in University Challenge for Children In Need
Dara O Briain, Dane Baptiste, Steve Pemberton, Iain Stirling and Joel Dommett are amongst the contestants in a special episode of University Challenge filmed for BBC Children In Need.
Stephen Fry hails 21st Century Firsts in new ITV documentary
Stephen Fry is to present ITV documentary 21st Century Firsts, which focuses on the most influential developments of the last 20 years.
Lost Voice Guy to host Radio 4 showcase of comedians with disabilities
Lost Voice Guy is to host a Radio 4 stand-up showcase of comedians with disabilities.
Comedians feature in Channel 4's festive schedule
Channel 4's 2020 Christmas TV offerings will include comedians staying overnight in a toy shop, David Walliams creating a new version of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car, and episodes of Big Fat Quiz Of The Year and The Last Leg.
Stath Lets Flats returning for Series 3
Hit sitcom Stath Lets Flats is to return to Channel 4 for a third series.
Spitting Image special to be shown on ITV
BritBox has announced a two-part US election special of revived satirical sketch show Spitting Image, with one episode also set to air on ITV.
Channel 4 orders retro crime comedy from People Just Do Nothing team
Channel 4 has ordered a series of The Curse, a crime-based comedy drama from the team behind People Just Do Nothing.
Harry Hill to launch ambient noise podcast
New podcast Harry Hill's Noise will see the comedian making a single noise in each programme that is otherwise pure ambient sound.
Dane Baptiste to pilot BBC Three entertainment show Bamous
Dane Baptiste is to pilot Bamous, a BBC Three show based around a fictional stock index for diverse talent.
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Features
The Lovers - 50th Anniversary Quiz
A quiz about The Lovers, the acclaimed 1970s sitcom starring Richard Beckinsale and Paula Wilcox, which will be 50 years-old tomorrow. Even if you don't know the show, click through to find out more about it. There's some good trivia.
Tim Vincent talks about The Likely Dads
Tim Vincent talks about parenthood and hosting Radio 4 series The Likely Dads, which starts this Thursday.
Ruth Jones - 'Who Do You Think You Are?' interview
Ruth Jones talks about tracing her family tree in the BBC show Who Do You Think You Are?, which is on BBC One tonight at 9pm.
Comedy Rewind: Paul Merton - The Series
With a DVD release just weeks away, we revisit a cult sketch show from the early 1990s, starring and written by Paul Merton.
First Gig, Worst Gig: Myra DuBois
Fresh from barnstorming heats of Britain's Got Talent, Myra DuBois is now solving her fans' issues. But who made a right royal mess at a mollusc-related pub?
How Rob Rouse single-handedly saved sport, with chickens
Who stepped up when sport seemed doomed during lockdown? UEFA? FIFA? The IOC? No, it was Rob Rouse and some chickens.
Dan Summers on creating Tuesday Afternoon Kitchen
Dan Summers - the creator, writer, producer and director of Tuesday Afternoon Kitchen - tells us more about the new batch of episodes they've made of the spoof daytime show.
British Comedy Quiz #124
This week's quiz is rather hard... a score of 5 or more is something to shout about!
Random 8: Josh Berry
He's back peddling Fake News, but which contentious character is Josh Berry keen to take a long trip with?
BCG Pro
If you're interested in comedy writing, head over to our BCG Pro website for news of new writing competitions to get involved in. Meanwhile, performers have a week left to enter our awards for those who normally appear on the stage.
TV listings
Ghosts
It's time for a wedding at Button House, but some freak weather disrupts everyone's plans. This is the last episode for now, but there'll be a festive special in December, and hopefully the already-ordered Series 3 can be filmed early next year as planned.
Guessable
The regulars welcome Jason Manford, The One Show's Angela Scanlon, Radio 1's Dev Griffin, and Suzi Ruffell into their loft to play guessing games.
Hey Tracey!
Bobby Norris, Rita Simons, Ellie Taylor, Darren Harriott, Jordan North and Tallia Storm take part in a Halloween-themed episode of the show that cold-calls people.
Channel Hopping With Jon Richardson
This week's show looking at funny TV clips from around the globe features Ed Gamble, with Jon's regular co-host Judi Love.
Don't Hate The Playaz
Maya Jama, Mutya Buena and Aurie Styla go head to head in rap battles against Lady Leshurr, Yung Filly and Chunkz, with a special appearance from Dizzee Rascal.
Out Of Her Mind
Episode 2 of the new comedy. Its unique style has garnered reviews right across the spectrum - tune in to see what you think of the new comedy breaking the fourth wall's fourth wall. This time, Sara decides to face up to her sadness about the past and bravely attempts to return her unused but tattered wedding dress to the shop where Craig jilted her 15 years ago.
Sorry, I Didn't Know
Shaun Wallace, Paul Chowdhry, Toby Williams and Sophie Duker join Chizzy Akudolu, Judi Love and Jimmy Akingbola in the last episode in this short series. In the interview found on our site, Akingbola has spoken about his hope of making more.
There's Something About Movies
Kelly MacDonald, Daniel Mays and Kevin Bridges join the panel show for some laughs. Look out for Bridges and Michael Sheen recreating The Wolf Of Wall Street, and Jennifer Saunders as The Joker.
Comedy Game Night
Suzi Ruffell, Matt Edmondson, Lloyd Griffith, Amanda Abbington, Ore Oduba and Anita Rani are the line-up this week.
Urban Myths: Orson Welles In Norwich
The final episode in the latest series of Urban Myths. This one sees Robbie Coltraine playing Hollywood star Orson Welles on a trip to East Anglia. Derry Girls actor Saoirse-Monica Jackson plays the local news reporter.
Taskmaster
Mawaan Rizwan attempts an upside-down farm-related illusion, Daisy May Cooper softens some pasta and Katherine Parkinson lays waste to a garden arch.
Comedy Legends
In the latest episode of this documentary series Barry Cryer pays tribute to Kenneth Williams, the comic genius and frequent star of the Carry On films. Remember: Sky Arts is now on Freeview, so you can see this even if you don't have Sky.
Ghost Bus Tours
A one-off ghost hunting comedy travelogue set in a Eastern European prison. Darren Harriott, Lady Leshurr and Jordan Davies explore.
Maxxx
This sitcom starring O-T Fagbenle as a faded boyband star was scheduled on E4 back in April. However, after Episode 1, the network decided to hold the series back for its main channel in the autumn. The run begins proper now, starting with a repeat of that first episode this Thursday night.
Mock The Week
Maisie Adam, Eshaan Akbar, Ed Byrne, Sophie Duker and Ed Gamble are set to appear this week in the topical comedy show's new covid-secure studio.
Celebrity Juice
A Halloween special of Celebrity Juice. Strictly's scariest judge Craig Revel Horwood, presenter Maya Jama, Queen of the Jungle Jacqueline Jossa and Take That's Howard Donald are the guests.
The Russell Howard Hour
No confirmation yet on who Russell's guest will be this week, but it's expected to be the man, the myth, the legend - the one and only Brian Blessed.
Truth Seekers
This eight-part comedy horror arrives in time for Halloween. It focuses on a team of part-time paranormal investigators who have teamed up to uncover and film ghostly sightings across the UK.
Stand Up For Live Comedy
This final episode in the stand-up series was actually the first recorded. Filmed in London, it features Jamali Maddix, Michael Odewale, Eleanor Tiernan and Helen Bauer.
Have I Got News For You
Steph McGovern hosts the satirical quiz. Miles Jupp and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi are the guests booked to join the regular team captains this time.
The Last Leg
The boys are back with an episode looking ahead to America's election, with the main voting day on Tuesday next week.
The Graham Norton Show
Bill Bailey is set to appear on the show this week, to talk about Strictly Come Dancing. David Walliams is also on the programme, plus Jessie Buckley and Dermot Kennedy.
Spitting Image
The Spitting Image team are back this week with not one but two brand new episodes focusing on the US election. The first of the pair will also air on ITV, at 10pm on Saturday night.
The Jonathan Ross Show
Jack Whitehall and Roisin Conaty will both appear on Wossy's show this weekend. Also: photographer David Bailey, and Craig David and KSI performing live in the studio.
Shopping With Keith Lemon
Keith Lemon goes shopping for sweets and science fiction memorabilia with all-round entertainer John Barrowman. He also takes presenter Emma Willis to hone her archery skills at an activity centre.
Starting this week on Radio 4: Rich Hall's (US) Breakdown (Thursday, 6:30pm), The Likely Dads (Thursday, 11pm) and The Now Show (Friday, 6:30pm). For a complete list of TV and radio broadcasts, including repeats, see our full schedule.
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The Man In The HatDescribed as "an astonishing feat of contemporary film-making", The Man In The Hat is a beautifully framed odyssey of music, story-telling and silent comedy traversing the breath-taking landscapes of France. We follow The Man in the Hat (Ciarán Hinds) as he journeys across the country in a Fiat 500, accompanied by a framed photograph of an unknown woman. He is pursued by five angry men in a Citroen Dyane. Why are they chasing him? And how can he shake them off? Travelling north on his escape across the mountains, gorges and bridges of France, he hears stories of love and loss, listens to Schubert, Otis Redding and Canteloube, and encounters mysterious strangers including The Damp Man, The Chef and The Biker; coming face to face with the vivid eccentricities of an old country on an old continent, whilst trying to evade the pursuers who are always, relentlessly, on his tail. |
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David Jason - A Del Of A Life: Lessons I've LearnedIn celebration of Sir David Jason's 80th year, A Del Of A Life: Lessons I've Learned is his latest instalment of memoir, reliving an extraordinary life and career from over 50 years in entertainment. From a trainee electrician to one of Britain's most revered and loved actors, Jason shares heartfelt and hilarious wisdom with readers on subjects ranging from family to work, resilience to ebullience. Told with his characteristic warmth and wit, Jason shines a wonderful new light on the characters and shows that fans have come to love him for, from Del Boy to Granville, Larkin to Frost. |
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Mrs. Brown's Boys - Merry Mishaps!Mrs Brown and the family are up to their usual festive hi-jinks and are ready to jingle your baubles in two brand new seasonal specials, broadcast at Christmas 2019-20. Episode 1 - A Wonderful Mammy: Agnes's world is turned upside down when an angel arrives in Finglas and grants her a wish to see what life would be like if she'd never been born. Kevin Kennedy guest stars. Episode 2 - Orange Is The New Mammy: Everyone in the Brown household is concerned at the news that the poisoner Peggy Piper has been released from prison, Winnie especially. Sue Vincent is the guest. |
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Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing - The Complete Third SeriesMortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Series 3 sees long-term friends and comedic royalty, Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, return to the riverbanks. Across six episodes, this new series takes Bob & Paul to Scotland, Lea, Norfolk, Test, Somerford Lakes and Wye. If you missed the news when we broke it some weeks back, the wonderful comic series will be back next year for a fourth run. |
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Romesh Ranganathan - As Good As It Gets: Life Lessons From A Reluctant AdultConfronted by the realities of adulthood, Romesh Ranganathan must face an uncomfortable truth: this is not quite how he imagined it. Watching his friends descend into middle age, his waistline thicken and his finances dwindle to fund his family's middle class aspirations, Romesh reflects on the demands of daily life and the challenges of adulting in the modern world. As he reluctantly concludes that he is indeed a grown man, Rom wrestles with the greater questions that threaten his being: Could I save my family in a crisis? Do I possess the skills to assemble flatpack furniture? Am I too old for streetwear? Is it alright to parent my kids through the medium of Fortnite? Is celibacy the secret to a passionate marriage? |
For more, see our full list of new releases and items coming soon.
Comedy videos
Andrew Lawrence: Shopping in Wales
'Non-essential shopping in Wales? Time to call in the military.' A character-based sketch from Andrew Lawrence.
Ashens And The Polybius Heist - Teaser Trailer
The trailer for this film, which will be available to download/stream in November. Co-written by YouTube star Ashens, it sees a motley crew of misfits hunt down an infamous 80s arcade game that can supposedly control people's minds.
Five Dates - Trailer
This forthcoming show is a little different. It's a romantic comedy about the unpredictable world of digital dating... but one that is an interactive game. Your choices will result in one of 10 possible endings for Vinny, who is trying out online dating with five different potential matches.
Cuttings
A web series which observes three political publicists meeting via Zoom to plan what to do next. New episodes of the topical show are being filmed to react to what's going on, so return for the latest.
M4DBoy - F.T.G
M4DBOY on the government... and Hobbycraft. A musical video by Alex Cubb, also known as Scaredy Kat.
Mission: Accessible - Fife
The second episode of the web series featuring Rosie Jones. This time she is joined by Harriet Kemsley to plan a romantic break in Scotland for Kent lad Charlie, who has cerebral palsy.
There's Something About Movies - Scarecrow song
If you missed it last week, here's Tom Allen singing the Scarecrow song from The Wizard Of Oz.
Cult of Corbyn: What Next?
What will Jeremy Corbyn's cult do now he's no longer Labour leader? A gripping documentary that will vindicate every Tory MP, Twitter troll and Guardian columnist who tried to prove the existence of this sinister sect.
Spotlight
Lady Godiva Rides Again
A comedy about beauty contests and the fickle nature of fame in dreary early 1950s Britain, Lady Godiva Rides Again was recently remastered in HD and released on Blu-ray for the first time. From writer Val Valentine and producer/directors Frank Launder and Sidney Gilliat (St Trinian's and much else), the astounding cast includes Dennis Price, Sid James, Alec Guinness, Diana Dors, George Cole, Stanley Holloway, Dora Bryan, Michael Ripper, Richard Wattis and Renee Houston, alongside stars John McCallum and Pauline Stroud. It's the tale of a small-town girl who is shot to national stardom after playing Lady Godiva in a small local parade but quickly discovers that celebrity is not all it appears.
Thanks for reading
Matthew Mclane has won the latest BCG Pro Gag-a-Week competition, which was themed around Strictly Come Dancing:
Strictly are taking no risks with COVID this year. I've heard even the presenting team has a Tess Daly.
British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk
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