Does this seem familiar? Ask Rhod Gilbert...

When BBC One launched Ask Rhod Gilbert last week, it seemed to offer a new take on the panel-show format. But viewers have been quick to point out that the show bears a remarkable similarity to another programme... BBC Northern Ireland's Great Unanswered Questions.

Lloyd Langford interview

They live together and laugh together - and now they're on a primetime TV show together. An interview with Lloyd Langford about life at home and play with Rhod Gilbert.

We Ask Rhod Gilbert About His New Show

As a regular on panel shows Mock The Week, 8 out of 10 Cats, and Never Mind the Buzzcocks Rhod Gilbert has proved to us--and more importantly, broadcasters--that he's more than capable of keeping us entertained. He's proved such a hit that BBC One have granted him his own show--Ask Rhod Gilbert, a question-led panel show that launched last Monday. We took the title of the show literally and caught up with the comedian so he could tell us more...

In tonight's episode of the comedy panel show, guests Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Rufus Hound, Miranda Hart and Rhod Gilbert compete to disentangle outlandish fact from fiction. Can it be true, for instance, that Fearnley-Whittingstall allows his dog to lick a well-known yeast extract spread off his face? Has Hound visited every pub called The Red Lion inside the M25, apart from four? Comedian Rob Brydon is the host, with David Mitchell and Lee Mack as the team captains.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, protector of poultry, guardian of gourds and foragers' friend, only gets picked for panel shows because he doesn't kick up a stink when comedians tease him for being a wet hedge-muncher. Here, though, his sense of self-humour is tested to the max when he reads out the line, "Occasionally, I put Marmite on my face and let my dog lick it off." If Hugh's telling the truth, he's an even better sport than we've given him credit for. But, all angles considered, we watched hoping it was a fib. The alternative is just too creepy. Also guesting is Miranda Hart who, thankfully, gets through the half-hour without once referencing her boringly self-deprecating belief that she looks like a man. Best in show is David Mitchell's fight with Rhod Gilbert over the aforementioned yeast-based spread.

Ask Rhod Gilbert

Rhod Gilbert's brand new TV show, Ask Rhod Gilbert, is coming soon to BBC One. And they have a message for you...

Rhod Gilbert is still looking over his shoulder

Grumpy comic Rhod Gilbert should be on top of the world. His new radio series is about to start, he's lined up for the 70,000-seater Help for Heroes concert and is in the frame to replace Graham Norton on BBC1. But the glass-all-empty funny man is adamant there's still time for things to go wrong.

Pie's the limit for comedy genius

Rhod Gilbert decided stand up comedy was the job for him after ditching office life in 2002.

Edinburgh fringe grilling: Elis James

Next up on our Fringe festival futon of fun is the "excruciatingly funny" (The Scotsman) Elis James, whom to watch doing stand-up is - according to fellow Welshman Rhod Gilbert - "like watching a man with no arms or legs riding a mechanical bull - interesting and funny". Elis' show Daytripper will be part of this month's Five Pound Fringe at The Tron...

Rhod Gilbert interview

If there's one thing Rhod Gilbert doesn't immediately exude, it's optimism. "I'm f*****g up against it at the moment, having a nightmare writing," he says.