A long overdue solo vehicle for the likeable Rob Brydon - one of our finest comedy actors (see his scene-stealing turns in Gavin & Stacey and supporting roles for the likes of Steve Coogan and Julia Davis), and also a gifted stand-up and impressionist (the latter of which he demonstrated hilariously in the 2005 film A Cock and Bull Story). The format is knowingly cheesy, with Brydon chatting in matey style to his main guest, before breaking off for a short set by a comedian and interlude from a musician - with whom the host is invariably tempted to join in.

Chat shows stand or fall by the quality of their guests and tonight's are top-drawer. Main conversationalist is "Dame" David Walliams, who discusses his marriage to model Lara Stone and obsession with James Bond, then reads from his recent children's book. Walliams also answer questions from Twitter users (token nod to being modern, there) and the studio audience - which sweetly includes his mother. The musical guest is Sir Tom Jones, who performs a song from his acclaimed gospel album Praise & Blame. The only weak link is the set by young stand-up Tom Deacon, but it would be churlish to complain about Brydon championing a rising comedian each week. At times this opening show has the slight awkwardness of a first date, but all in all, it's a comfortingly cosy and entertaining half-hour.

Phone hacking: Steve Coogan latest star to take action

Moves come over alleged phone hacking by News of the World.

Rob Brydon: the interview

The beloved uncle from Gavin and Stacey is moving on to a new incarnation as the king of chat. Rob Brydon talks about life on the road with Steve Coogan, being homesick in LA and why his lack of ambition has been his saving.

Pass notes No 2,838: Alan Partridge

Steve Coogan's DJ and former chatshow host is back for an online comedy series.

Simon Amstell, Larry David and the rise of the 'simcom'

From Simon Amstell to Steve Coogan to Trinny and Susannah, today's stars simply play exaggerated versions of themselves. Does it count as acting? Mark Lawson on the 'sim-com'

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are reunited... to do lunch

Comedians are cast as Observer restaurant writers in Michael Winterbottom's TV sitcom probing the world of foodies.

Steve Coogan returns with new comic creation - himself

Funnyman Steve Coogan is to return to TV with a new comic creation - himself.

Steve Coogan to perform Chekhov play for anniversary

Steve Coogan, the creator of such erudite characters as the Mancunian cultural icons Paul and Pauline Calf is to further test the range of his acting talent by performing the work of Anton Chekhov in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Russian writer and dramatist.

The Top 5 Sitcoms of the 1990s

The 1990s produced some very important comedy, seeing some of today's comedy veterans - like Steve Coogan, Steve Pemberton, Rik Mayall, Ardal O'Hanlon - experiencing their juiciest tastes of success. Here's the five best '90s sitcoms, in reverse order.

Garry Richardson was last week declared by a listener to Today to be the real Alan Partridge, which is a bit unfair to all the other sports reporters who must have gone into the making of Steve Coogan's fictional broadcaster. And yet, and yet... There's something about Garry's hosting of this sports 'n' jokes show which might well mark him out as chief contender for the Partridge crown. Joining him to fling wisecracks at the World Cup and all else sporting are writer-performers Laurence Howarth, Richie Webb and Dave (the voice of Come Dine with Me) Lamb.