Press clippings Page 8

On at exactly the same time and on the same day as Heading Out, Dave's panel show Alexander Armstrong's Big Ask returned for a second series this week.

The format's pretty much the same as before. Alexander Armstrong presents and all three of his guests, in this case Jo Brand, Stephen Mangan and Tim Vine, have to come up with the questions everyone will be asking. Amongst the questions that came up included the subject of the clurichaun (the "leprechaun's naughty cousin"), why the Aztecs were such unsuccessful warriors, and Adam's first wife...who wasn't Eve.

It's a good show, and while the fact it's on Dave means it will never get a big audience (much of it taken away thanks to Perkins's show on the other side) it still deserves a watch because it can throw up some decent moments. One example was a tangent which involved Manga talking about his upcoming role in the film version of Postman Pat - speaking parts only mind, the singing being down by Gary Barlow.

However, perhaps the best thing about this new series is that the idea of the "fact bunker" with Dave Lamb verifying the information has been got rid of. It never worked and I'm glad to see the change made. In fact, I pointed out this was the weakest moment when I reviewed the first series last year. Giz a job, Dave.

Ian Wolf, Giggle Beats, 4th March 2013

The panel show that's like a postprandial version of QI returns with Stephen Mangan, Jo Brand and Tim Vine doing the job of quiz-show researchers and coming up with the questions themselves. This time, Dave Lamb's role as fact-checker has been done away with, leaving Alexander Armstrong in sole charge. Everything else remains the same. There are laughs to be had, especially when the guests stray from the topic at hand - a discussion about Mangan's role in Postman Pat: the Movie being particularly rewarding.

David Brown, Radio Times, 26th February 2013

Alexander Armstrong interview

The Big Ask and Pointless presenter talks Dad's Army, Doctor Who and getting back together with Ben Miller.

Ellie Walker-Arnott, Radio Times, 26th February 2013

It's hard to resist quoting from the press release announcing the return of this panel show, which described its host as "Pointless presenter, comedian and actor Alexander Armstrong". Unintended slurs aside, this series promises unscripted entertainment - tonight features Jo Brand, Tim Vine and Stephen Mangan.

Pete Naughton, The Telegraph, 25th February 2013

Alexander Armstrong: my week in South Africa

I am just back from a Comic Relief trip to South Africa. My first as it happens.

Alexander Armstrong, The Telegraph, 24th February 2013

Alexander Armstrong: BBC caution grates with him

The 42-year-old is not afraid to rile his Beeb bosses.

Emily Dugan, The Independent, 17th February 2013

My secret life: Alexander Armstrong, 42, comedian

'I dare say my house is haunted'.

Charlie Cooper, The Independent, 9th February 2013

Alexander Armstrong to host ITV panel show pilot

Alexander Armstrong is to host a new panel show pilot for ITV called You Couldn't Make It Up.

British Comedy Guide, 29th January 2013

Addison and Armstrong's Direct Line ads most effective

Comics Chris Addison and Alexander Armstrong's Direct Line adverts were the most effective on TV this year, experts say.

Jane Hamilton, The Sun, 17th December 2012

Top 10 Have I Got News For You guest hosts

As Have I Got News For You celebrates ten years of guest hosts, we count down our top 10, from Alexander Armstrong and Damian Lewis to Jeremy Clarkson and Boris Johnson.

Daniella Graham, Metro, 10th November 2012

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