Radio Review: When The Dog Dies

Ronnie Corbett plays Sandy, who thwarts his children by refusing to sell the family home until his dog dies.

When the Dog Dies showcased the comedic talents of another old favourite: Ronnie Corbett. Corbett played Sandy Hopper, 65, whose dog Henry barked when he heard "cat", even when used in a word like "catastrophic". "Wuff!" said Henry: which was strange, as Sandy was supposedly writing a blog. As opposed to reading it out.

But then this was an old-fashioned sitcom, written by Ian Davidson and Peter Vincent, who penned Sorry, about the clash between ageing people and the modern world. The ever-engaging Liza Tarbuck was Sandy's sassy lodger, egging him on to bond with his grandson, Tyson. I enjoyed When the Dog Dies more than I expected. Clearly, I'm getting on a bit.

Reletive values: Ronnie Corbett and his daughter Sophie

The comedian and actor, 79, and his daughter, 42, a voiceover artist, on loving showbiz, mega-success and why he will always be the family's Peter Pan.

Ronnie Corbett plays Sandy Hopper in this new comedy by Ian Davidson and Peter Vincent. He's 65, a widower, living on in the old family home with his ancient dog Henry. His son and daughter (both married disastrously, according to Sandy) can't wait for him to move so that they can sell the house and divide the spoils. He won't, though. Not until the dog dies, he says. Sally Grace plays (charmingly) his nosy but nice neighbour. Liza Tarbuck (wittily) plays Dolores, his sexy but practical lodger. Jonathan Aris does an impressively monstrous son-in-law.

A gentle mid-morning chuckle - not a guffaw or a belly-laugh but a slight lift of the corners of the mouth and a nice warm glow in the stomach. This is the feeling you get when supreme masters of their art get to strut their stuff: Ronnie Corbett is note-perfect in this comedy from the same writers who produced Corbett's 80s sitcom Sorry! Sandy Hopper is 65, forever correcting other people's grammar, always at odds with the lodger, afflicted with ungrateful children who can't wait to inherit but, like his devoted old hound, Sandy has plenty of wag left in him. There's a good reason why Corbett is a national treasure: he can wrap such tenuous, grandad-friendly material around a rod of comic steel and make it zing.

Rob Brydon's love affair with knee-highs continues. The Welsh comedian, whose choice of long socks has become somewhat legendary thanks to a recent appearance on the BBC panel show QI, kindly flashed his hosiery at Pandora's request during the after-show drinks at Tuesday's South Bank Show Awards. "Ronnie Corbett introduced me to them," he explained, not at all sheepishly. Corbett, also present, confirms this account. Gents, take note.

BBC boss in foul-mouthed email slur on Ronnie Corbett

The BBC apologised to Ronnie Corbett last night after a senior executive used a grossly offensive swear word about the 79-year-old comedian.