Comics with spectacular ha-ha homes

There are turrets and timbers, thatched roofs, private moorings and even an island. One home even has a secret garage, another boasts a 400-year-old walled garden. Yes, the titans of the comedy world have done rather nicely out of making people laugh.

Secret fury of the doctor who gave Blackadder his name

Dr Eric Blackadder complained his life was made a misery after he unwittingly provided the name for Rowan Atkinson's scheming character.

Pics: Rowan Atkinson dozes off as his daughter performs

Reports in January claimed Rowan Atkinson is financing his daughter Lily's foray into showbusiness. Despite this, the Mr Bean star could not manage to stay awake for his superstar hopeful's raunchy cabaret show at The Pheasantry on Kings Road in Chelsea, west London on Friday.

Rowan Atkinson: I will never wave goodbye to Mr Bean

The Bean and Blackadder actor says he would never retire any of his comic characters, even when more "serious" roles come his way.

Rowan Atkinson: comics lose authority as they get older

It's no laughing matter when you are a comedy legend the wrong side of 60. Rowan Atkinson claims that even the greatest comic actors lose their power to send audiences into paroxysms of mirth after they hit middle age.

Young people don't own comedy - and nor should they

How dull would our lives be if we, in effect, introduce a mandatory retirement age for wisecracks?

Rowan Atkinson on ITV's Maigret: 'I really wasn't sure'

Mr Bean star Rowan Atkinson on the challenge of playing an ordinary man, why pipe smoking is vital to the role - and whether he was asked to join Top Gear.

Rowan Atkinson gets serious as partner moves in

Girlfriend Louise Ford settles doen in his £4.6m 3-bed cottage.

When MI7 hears of a plot to assassinate the Chinese premier, the only man to turn to is disgraced agent Johnny English, who is coming to transcendental terms with his utter incompetence in a Tibetan monastery. More amiable slapstick and gurning from Rowan Atkinson, abetted by a Bond-like Dominic West, M-like Gillian Anderson and retro-Bond-babe Rosamund Pike.

Rowan Atkinson's 'quickie' divorce is finalised

Rowan Atkinson and his wife of 24 years have been granted a 'quickie divorce' after he left her for a comedy actress half his age.