Charlie Higson

Gotcha! Whitehouse and Higson Interview

Not for the first time, Radio 4 listeners are up in arms. The cause is a 'sexist', 'racist', 'rubbish' phone-in show called Down the Line. But we've been had. As G2 can reveal, it's a spoof - from the creators of The Fast Show.

Over six enjoyable episodes it's only really now that Messrs. Higson, Reeves and Mortimer have finally laid to rest the ghosts of the past, and it could be argued that they leave R&H(D) stronger than when they found it. Its continuation is a must.

Furthermore, there was little of the cynicism usually redolent in such remakes. This was good, clean fun and has the makings of an obvious hit. It is unclear whether Vic and Bob are fans of the original series, yet it is obvious that Higson has fond recollections of not just R&H(D) but a swathe of classic British TV.

The Fast Show has its feet in Dick Emery, its brain in Monty Python, its groin in Benny Hill, and its heart in Viz, and the result is a monster of a show. The performances are excellent (John Thomson and Robin Driscoll are a particular joy), Arch Dyson's direction is superb and, while I ration myself to one use of the word "genius" each alternate blue moon, I believe Paul Whitehouse may be touched by it (and, by a simple process of elimination, we're getting some idea of how much Harry Enfield owes to him).