Jonathan Ross keeps the hecklers in check as he hosts the annual comedy gongfest. And while there are some glaring omissions from the shortlist - notably Grandma's House and Fresh Meat - there's still plenty of fine talent jostling for the top spots, with Olympic comedy Twenty Twelve slugging it out with political satire The Thick Of It for Best Sitcom gold. But if there's any justice in the comedy world, then David Rawle should be a shoo-in for Best Breakthrough Actor with his peerless performance as 11-year-old Martin in Chris O'Dowd's Moone Boy.

I can't say I'm a big fan of award shows, but this can be an exception.

Well, I suppose I can ("I'm a big fan of award shows" - there, see, I've just done it), but I'd be lying, and lying is a waste of all our time. Rather like this opening paragraph.

On their day, however, the British Comedy Awards can be a lot less dismal than most of these back-slapping bashes, if only because the bitter rivalry and bitchiness of the comedy world can trigger some seriously caustic name-calling, not very effectively disguised as goodnatured gags.

As for who's likely to win what at tonight's do, hosted by Jonathan Ross, I couldn't really give a monkey's, but it's good to see some less obvious names creeping into contention, such as Sky1's excellent series Moone Boy.

As for the publicly voted King Of Comedy prize, I'm afraid Joe Pasquale has been snubbed yet again...

As television's best-lubricated and worst-mannered awards ceremony, the British Comedy Awards are often the most fun to watch. While boisterous comics make amusing thank you speeches or heckle each other, it can take all of Jonathan Ross's sangfroid to keep proceedings under control.

This year you could be forgiven for not having seen some of the most nominated programmes. For instance, not many tuned in to E4's beautifully acted sketch show Cardinal Burns, but it gets nods for three awards, and quite right, too. Sky Atlantic's little-watched Hunderby is up for two. Even BBC2's The Thick of It (three), while a triumph, was no ratings blockbuster.

Other shining comic talents include Harry Hill (for the farewell series of TV Burp) and the wondrous Olivia Colman, who gets not one but two nominations as best comedy actress. If she doesn't win for one of them, there should be a stewards' inquiry.

Vic and Bob win BCAs writing award

Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer will be awarded The Writer's Guild of Great Britain Award at The British Comedy Awards later.

Jonathan Ross presents the 21st British Comedy Awards, live from Wembley. Expect the expected: a risqué comment or two from the host, guaranteed to have somebody's lawyer seductively fingering a writ; a roomful of paralytic comics heckling the heck out of one another; and the almost certain presence of Graham Norton, whose recent interview with the tiny force of nature that is Miriam "Something crazy took over me" Margolyes numbers among the greatest chatshow moments in living memory.

Sarah Millican on award ceremonies

The last time I went to The British Comedy Awards, I lost. The year I didn't go, I won Queen of Comedy. When Shappi Khorsandi and I lost, we dealt with the very close camera by swigging out of a wine bottle (Shappi) and eating a Creme Egg whole (me). Who knows what will happen this year! Best of luck to the nominees.

BCAs: 'A complacent celebration of outright mediocrity'

The British Comedy Awards return next week, and Paul Whitelaw is not amused.

The British Comedy Awards 2012 - Form Guide

Sky must be over the moon about the British Comedy Awards nominations announced the week. Particularly when it comes to Best New Comedy Programme.

The problem with the British Comedy Awards

Odd categories result in certain shows and performers not being recognised and beg the question: should making people laugh be separated from the arts of making them cry or shiver?