So as The Comic Strip has been revived, it makes a certain sense that the result is a decade-mashing melange which tells a warped version of Tony Blair's PM years, taking place in an anachronistic Britain which looks like the 1950s, ripping off The 39 Steps, Sunset Boulevard, The Godfather and, understandably, The Comic Strip themselves. Or rather, Peter Richardson, for though never reaching the same heights as his former colleagues, the director pretty much was The Comic Strip. He's brought back some of the old crew, including Rik Mayall, Robbie Coltrane, Nigel Planer and John Sessions.

For some, the intentionally over the top nonsense of Blair going on the run from 'Inspector Hutton of Scotland Yard' after faking evidence for the Iraq War - complete with lines like "It felt like the whole world was against me, apart from Barbara Windsor of course" - will not be enough to excuse the spoof from its nastier accusations: Blair's shown murdering John Smith and Robin Cook, while Thatcher (played by Jennifer Saunders, naturally) is a monstrous Norma Desmond luring him to bed.

Yes, this isn't exactly sophisticated satire, but it is surprisingly funny in places, with Stephen Mangan capturing Blair's wide-eyed insouciance. While it references the 50s visually, it actually evokes nostalgia for the 80s, when having a childish pop at the people in power felt dangerous - like it could genuinely change things. And the darkest comic line is a real one: "Hey, in the end, only God and history can judge me," says Tony.

A few years ago a pub "fact" did the rounds that went something like: "at every minute someone somewhere in the world is watching an episode of I Love Lucy". Whether it's true or not, it goes some way to demonstrating the enduring popularity of a show produced in the 1950s and its star Lucille Ball. Following the success of her series on British funny ladies, Barbara Windsor starts her profiles of female American comics with Lucy's story.

We hear that behind the zany screen persona was a tough cookie: she became the first woman to head a Hollywood studio (Trekkies should be grateful - she gave the nod for Star Trek) and her TV show pioneered the multi-camera technique that has become the norm for shooting television comedy in front of a studio audience.

Iconic film and TV star Barbara Windsor celebrates three female comic actresses, continuing with Carry On co-star Hattie Jacques (1922-80), who appeared in 14 features in the parody/slapstick film series, most famously as the no-nonsense Matron. Jacques did time as a nurse and a welder prior to her theatrical debut at London's Player's Theatre. Radio appearances included the 1950s comedies Educating Archie and Hancock's Half-Hour, and in the 60s and 70s she starred with Eric Sykes in two of his major TV projects. The programme explores the turbulent private life of a woman considered warm, kind and endearing by her peers, and does not ignore the fact that Jacques was never happy that the subject of her weight problem was considered acceptable comic material. Contributors include her son Robin Le Mesurier, friend Joan Le Mesurier (her husband's third wife), biographer Andy Merriman and Carry On co-star Anita Harris.

On the Sunny Side of the Street plays in the background over an opening montage of quotes on the career of Hattie Jacques, from Sophie Tuckshop in ITMA on the radio to all those Carry On films. Barbara Windsor says she was "a national treasure", Eric Sykes (who played her brother in their long-running TV series) calls her "feisty", everyone says what a generous person she was. This isn't a totally sunny story, as anyone who saw that BBC docu-drama on her broken marriage to John Le Mesurier will recognise. But it is a kind one.

My most vivid memory of Hylda Baker is that bizarre 1978 Top of the Pops appearance with Arthur Mullard, but there was so much more to the comedy actress, as Barbara Windsor finds out. She was a diminutive Lancashire lass with a booming voice who soon became a music hall regular, before starring in sketches and sitcoms (most notably Nearest and Dearest). Baker was often labelled loud and vulgar at a time when funny men overshadowed their female counterparts, yet is now considered by many to be an influential figure. Her silent stooge Cynthia was surely a prototype for Dame Edna Everage's Madge, and her performances brimmed with catchphrases - "She knows, y'know!", "You big girl's blouse!" - long before Little Britain and Catherine Tate cornered the market. About time, then, that her unique talent was reappraised.

Barbara Windsor radio series to celebrate female comics

Barbara Windsor is to pay homage to some of the best-loved British and American comediennes - including Hattie Jacques and Lucille Ball - in a six-part series for the BBC.

He made his name as Tony Hancock's co-star in Hancock's Half Hour and was a member of the bullion robbery gang in The Lavender Hill Mob but cockney comic Sid James will be remembered most as a star of the Carry On films. This profile, first broadcast in 2000, delves into his private life: his widow Valerie recalls how his hectic lifestyle and workaholic tendencies led to a heart attack at the age of 53, an affair with Barbara Windsor at 59, and his death at age 62 after collapsing on stage at the Sunderland Empire Theatre (unaware of what was happening, the audience laughed, believing the events to be part of the show).

Leslie Phillips gets cake in the face for Comic Relief

Screen smoothie Leslie Phillips gets his face dunked in cream - as he is hit by a cake from fellow Carry On legend Barbara Windsor.

Barbara Windsor to guest star on Come Fly With Me

Barbara Windsor will guest star in tonight's episode of Come Fly With Me.