A nice-seeming sort of bloke, does work for charity - John Bishop epitomises the Live at the Apollo school of comedian and Christmas TV favourite. Yet, while his act - observational material about family life, male archetypes and so on - is pretty cosy stuff, there's a bite to his delivery that could cause a certain amount of discomfort on the sofa. This third variety/comedy festive show features comic support from Sarah Millican and Danny Bhoy, comic songs from Andy Askins - and a duet between Bishop and Kylie Minogue.

One of the more likable of the arena comedians, John Bishop is all about being down to earth. Still, he isn't afraid of a big production number when the occasion demands it, and with this festive show, that's precisely what he delivers. Never mind the obligatory pop stars (George Ezra; Ella Henderson). Forget about the mainstream support acts (Jack Whitehall and Jason Byrne). Bishop doesn't just do a set, he also performs a routine with 16 members of the dance troupe the Tiller Girls.

John Bishop's Christmas Show tops ratings with 4.7m

The BBC One show, featuring the likes of Nina Conti and Tim Vine, entertained 4.75 million (19.9%) at 9pm.