Lee Evans: I'll never go back to Hollywood

Lee Evans has turned his back on Hollywood after landing his dream role in the West End.

Lee Evans interview

In the '80s it felt like we were changing things, even changing light entertainment. It was very experimental - people putting fireworks up their arse or balloons on their penis. A lot of comedy now is very slick. Guys turn up in suits and they've got their ten minutes.

Lee Evans interview

He's made millions from his madcap comedy and is soon to star as a hapless low-life in Barking in Essex. So why is Lee Evans thinking of giving it all up to become a painter? Dominic Cavendish finds out.

Who needs heavyweight interrogation when you can have a good old-fashioned natter over a Lambrini? Alan Carr's relaxed formula often produces candid moments as he persuades celebrities to let their guard down, and he remains so unstoppable and likable that he'll be celebrating his 100th show this series. Lee Evans and Keeley Hawes are hot on the promotional trail for their West End comedy Barking In Essex, while pop's chirpiest pair, Rizzle Kicks, are on hand to provide the musical entertainment.

Let's hope chatty Alan has been sharpening his tongue over the summer ready to welcome in the first batch of guests for his 11th series. There's plenty of juicy material for him to get stuck into, what with a quartet of Dragons - Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Deborah Meaden and new business top cat Kelly Hoppen - plus comedian Lee Evans, actress Keely Hawes and reheated X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne. He'll eat them all for breakfast. Rizzle Kicks provide the music.

Edinburgh comedy awards - what the reviewers said

After the longest debate in the 33-year history of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, the shortlist has been announced. For the first time since Lee Evans won in 1993, there are seven names on the list. But who are they and what have the critics been saying about them?

The raucous annual stand-up bonanza in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital comes once again from the O2 in London.

When the live gig was held a couple of weeks ago, one critic described it as "Live at the Apollo on steroids". In other words, expect big, booming, arena-style stand-up from an all-star roster. Jack Whitehall, Jack Dee, Jo Brand, Noel Fielding and Jason Byrne are among the long list of comics donating gags to the cause.

Diversity open the show with a dance routine into which Alan Carr, Miranda Hart and Warwick Davis insert unexpected cameos. Lee Evans airs a routine about EasyJet. Russell Brand goes walkabout among the crowd. Rich Hall jokes about child labour ("Clothes make the man but kids make the clothes").

And unsurprisingly the recurring theme is the year's revelations about Jimmy Savile and other stars - everyone has an angle on that one.

Opinion: How do you follow the main attraction?

Lee Evans went on during the build-up to the end. This made it harder for the acts that followed.

10 minutes with... Terry Alderton

Terry Alderton could probably be considered one of the Comedy Roadshow success stories. The Sun's Comedian of the Year (Ed: Gobsmacked this wasn't Lee Evans...) hasn't looked back since his date with Mr McIntyre, and, breaking away from the club circuit, he's now got his own tour: Terry Alderton - Season Four. Well deserved, we'd say, though what happened to seasons 1-3? Jake Massey shares ten minutes with Terry to talk about comedy, touring, and those voices in his head...

10 minutes with...Pat Cahill

Pat Cahill didn't know what stand-up comedy was until he got drunk with his brother Fred one night and stumbled upon a Lee Evans box set. Turning away from his degree in Theatre Design (who can blame him?), Cahill's not looked back since, winning awards left, right and centre in the past few years and even getting himself on Dave's One Night Stand.