Gregor Fisher

Alice-Azania Jarvis isn't sure about Rab C. Nesbitt

I know, I know, television institution and that. But did he really need to make a comeback? It's not Rab himself that's the problem. Gregor Fisher, still in string vest and suit, is just as beguiling as the lazy, lovable drunken Rab. But it's like watching Robert Lindsay in My Family. Yes, he's good. But what about the rest of them?

Last night saw Rab and Mary welcome (if that's the word) their son Gash back to the home after a prolonged stint in a mental institution. Gash, meanwhile, gets to know his daughter, the foul-mouthed, chocolate-pizza-munching Peaches. Aside from that, not much happened, though Rab did manage to leave us with a rather wonderful little truism on romance: "The dreaded R Word! That's the worst thing a woman can give a man - respect!" he told his bemused wife. "You respect Vince Cable, you respect Alex Salmond... but you'd drop your draws for Daniel Craig."

Rab (Gregor Fisher) returns for his first new series in 10 years, in the superb Scottish sitcom about the lovable, string-vested philosopher of Govan. Not only is Rab off the sauce, his son Gash (now played by Iain Robertson) is recovering from drug addiction in the psychiatric wing of the hospital, having lost his job, wife and home in the credit crunch. Rab fails to stop Gash moving back in with him and Mary Doll (Elaine C Smith), despite his plea that here in hospital he's got "rubber cutlery, dolphin tapes, the whole nine yards". Fisher's inimitable performance and Ian Pattison's impeccable writing have lost none of their shine.

Video interview: Same old string vest

He may rarely have left the sofa but that didn't stop Rab C. Nesbitt from becoming a major comedy hit through the nineties. Millions tuned in to see the string vest-wearing, armchair philosopher's take on life.

Now Rab is back for his first full series in more than ten years on BBC Two and breakfast speaks to Gregor Fisher about putting back on that vest.

Gregor Fisher on Rab C Nesbitt

After more than ten years away from the screen Rab C Nesbitt is back. Its star Gregor Fisher on the comedy he thought he'd hate.

Almost 10 years after the broadcast of their last episode together, the cast of the Glaswegian comedy series reunites for a Christmas special. Attempts at reviving old comedy magic can so easily disappoint. But not Rab and co. The Cotter and Nesbitt families feel as fresh as ever. Though it's Gregor Fisher's impeccable, tragicomic incarnation of Rab himself that lifts the show to such grubby, miserable heights.

Rab is Alf Garnett without the social polish. His head is bandaged but unbowed. He holds up his poke of congealing chips to a malign sky like the Statue of Liberty.