Channel 4's Alternative Election Night review

Given the tone it was little surprise that it took main host Jimmy Carr all of ten minutes to make a pun about a "hung parliament" but it was only after the polls were shut at 10pm that the gloves were off and the team could finally unleash their gags on the main personalities involved.

As one of the closest election results in living memory draws near, Channel 4 have decided to adopt a satirical stance in the face of impending doom (a Tory victory) by inviting Charlie Brooker, David Mitchell and Jimmy Carr to lessen the blow. For anyone not voting Conservative it'll be reminiscent of having George Formby strumming away on his ukulele for the troops or Vera Lynn reassuring the public to "Keep smiling through, just the way you used to do/Till the blue skies chase the dark clouds far away".

Described by David Mitchell as being like "Big Brother but with posher people" you'll still be able to keep up with the results as they come in live whilst enjoying popular shows with an election twist.

Fonejacker will be making several impromptu appearances whilst Lauren Laverne, David Mitchell and Jimmy Carr share the role of compère. Most of the polls suggest its neck and neck as the three main parties race towards the finish line and some light comic relief might be exactly what this election needs before the sad reality settles in for whoever wins: it's going to be a tough couple of years and a fair while until the "skies chase the dark clouds far away".

With the advent of American-style televised debates, this election has already provided the leaders of the three main parties with ample opportunity to show themselves up. Should they have not done enough on their own, though, this "alternative" broadcast looks likely to finish the job. An ambitious four-hour live presentation, this aims to offer a satirical take on results as they emerge; David Mitchell, Lauren Laverne and Jimmy Carr present, with contributions from Charlie Brooker.

Channel 4, the rude kids at the back of the class, have decided that the only sensible approach is to go for laughs, so the likes of David Mitchell, Lauren Laverne, Jimmy Carr, and Charlie Brooker will be sitting in front of a live audience and taking the mick.

For those who are interested in the election but can't face endless analysis and Jeremy Vine's Swingometer, here's some light relief: live satire from Jimmy Carr, David Mitchell and Charlie Brooker, who will be riffing off events as they unfold over four hours, with Lauren Laverne adding sass.

The quartet will be joined by a bookmaker, while there will be some pre-recorded segments that include a Come Dine With Me election special featuring Edwina Currie. Wonder if eggs are on the menu?

If the excitement and drama proves too much, C4's Alternative Election Night (from 9pm to 1am) offers a more entertaining, less reverential take on events. It is hosted by David Mitchell, Jimmy Carr and Lauren Laverne, with contributions from Charlie Brooker. Highlights include election specials of You Have Been Watching and Come Dine With Me.

We, as you should, will be beginning election night with C4. Their Alternative Election Night is a kicking-off point, where you can watch Jimmy Carr deliver uncomfortable jokes about how ugly politicians are, Charlie Brooker deliver anger you can tell he no longer feels and Lauren Laverne make some vowels last an instant too long. The Election Special Come Dine With Me is infuriating and not just because of Brian Paddick's shirts and Rod Liddle's Julie Burchill-style provocateering. Comes to something when Edwina Currie is clearly the least annoying person on screen. Armando Iannucci is on at 10.

Mitchell and Carr host election night comedy on C4

Channel 4 is to offer a satirical alternative to swingometers and exit polls on election night, with a four-hour live comedy marathon hosted by David Mitchell and Jimmy Carr.