Ardal O'Hanlon: From the Comedy Cellar to Craggy Island

Having captured our attention as Father Dougal, Ardal O'Hanlon is still making us laugh as his latest show goes on tour.

Udderbelly Festival 2013: the top ten comedy shows

This year's Udderbelly three-month programme offers over 40 chuckle-inducing shows. Time Out picks Tony Law, Ardal O'Hanlon, The Boy with Tape on His Face, Susan Calman, Doc Brown, Austentatious, Glenn Wool, Nick Helm and Simon Munnery.

Returning for a second series, The Matt Lucas Awards is continuing to give out awards for all kinds of strange categories - and sadly it's still as bad as the first series.

This opening episode featured Ardal O'Hanlon, Robert Webb and Adil Ray, giving out awards in the categories of "Least compensable UK accent", "Most miserable day of the year", and the "Hidden talent award".

I say it's as bad as the first series - there have been a few changes. The musician David Arnold is no-where to be seen, and the awards are now given out by a panel of three judges. In this episode it was three Olympic bronze medallists.

But the second series has exactly the same problems as the first. It's way too gimmicky. In fact, with the inclusion of the judges you could argue that it's become even more gimmicky. You can tell it's tacky when you see Ardal O'Hanlon trying to sing Squeeze's "Up the Junction" in a Donald Duck voice, while dressed in a Donald Duck costume.

It's a huge shame; I really enjoyed the original radio version of the show, And The Winner Is...

There's something a bit odd about these spoof awards, which return for a second series. They are hosted by Matt Lucas, who awards prizes in "unrecognised comedy fields". It used to be on radio, and worked much better there; the TV format is gimmicky. Tonight's guests include Robert Webb, Ardal O'Hanlon and Adil Ray.

Little Britain's Matt Lucas returns to hand out another batch of tubby-tummied gold statuettes to celeb guests.

First on Lucas's sofa are Ardal O'Hanlon, Robert Webb and Adil Ray who take it in turns to nominate candidates for random categories.

Tonight's gongs, awarded by a trio of judges - Olympic bronze medallists Anthony Ogogo, Kate Walsh and Alex Danson - are for such achievements as Least Comprehensible UK Accent and Most Miserable Day Of The Year.

Lined up awkwardly on Matt Lucas's sofa, Robert Webb, Adil Ray and Ardal O'Hanlon look like guests at a bad party. Despite Lucas's sharp chatter, this returning panel show, in which guests suggest award winners in categories such as "most miserable day of the year", feels clunky and slow. The highlight is the award for best hidden talent, when Adil Ray reveals an uncanny ability to recognise 1980s cars just by hearing them rev. If only the rest of the show had more vroom vroom.

Comedy gold: Ardal O'Hanlon from the Gaiety Theatre

O'Hanlon's early standup work is better than Father Ted - the familiar cuddliness and accent are still there, but with added charm, intelligence and fabulous phrasemaking.

Ardal O'Hanlon: My Week

Comedian and Father Ted star Ardal O'Hanlon on his secret attic, coaching his son's football team, and why being a stand-up is the "best job in the world".