Archive for the ‘Comedy’ Category
Friday, July 8th, 2011
Ricky Gervais: no more An Idiot Abroad
Karl Pilkington won’t film another series of An Idiot Abroad. Ricky Gervais’ hapless sidekick was a huge hit in the first run – which saw Karl visit the new seven wonders of the world. And while he will appear in one more series and one-off special, he won’t be filming any more.
Writing on his blog, Ricky – who created the show alongside Stephen Merchant – said: “He will never do another series though. That’s for sure. So enjoy the next one as it will be the last.
“I think he’s right too. Two series and a special – that’s my motto.
As well as ruling out more series of An Idiot Abroad, Ricky says he doesn’t like to think about what his ‘Office’ alter-ego David Brent is getting up to now.
The funnyman – who appeared as the work buffoon in two series and a Christmas special – told Shortlist magazine: “I don’t like to think about what Brent would be doing because we only wanted him to exist in the programme’s bubble. He might be OK. I’m pretty sure he’s gone back to a regular job and got all that ‘being famous’ stuff out of his system. I don’t think he ‘made it’ in the way he wanted to.”
Tags: "karl pilkington", an idiot abroad, Ricky Gervais
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Thursday, July 7th, 2011
We celebrate 10 years of The Office with ten iconic images from the ground breaking sitcom:
Tim's Practical Joke
The stapler in the jelly. Tim eats a jelly cube.
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Thursday, July 7th, 2011
Ricky Gervais as David Brent performing his famous dance
Can it really be ten years? Amazingly, the comedy that propelled former X-FM DJ Ricky Gervais and co-writer Stephen Merchant to international stardom made its debut on BBC 2 on July 9, 2001. A decade on and its still one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time.
But back then it was truly revolutionary with many people thinking initially that David Brent was a real person in a real documentary, rather than a fictional character in an inventive sitcom.
With the inevitable Office 10th Anniversary Edition released on DVD in October, we mark the landmark birthday with 10 facts you may or may not know about the hit series:
1) The Office started life in 1997 as a sketch Ricky Gervais wrote called ‘Seedy Boss’. He named that boss David Brent.
2) The first scene ever written was the one where Brent interviews Karen Roper for the job of PA in episode 5.
3) The first demo tape of the office was shot in the real office where Ricky used to work. Many of the people in the background actually worked there.
4) The demo was shot in one day.
5) Originally Martin Freeman auditioned for the part of Gareth. Ricky first met Martin when he helped write the series Bruiser, which Martin starred in. He met Mackenzie Crook when they worked together on The 11 O’clock Show.
6) In the French version (Le Bureau) the stapler in jelly becomes a stapler in Fromage.
7) The record number of takes for one scene is 74. It’s the one where Brent gives Tim an appraisal.
Due to overseas sales, DVDs and now syndication The Office, has grossed an estimated £370 million worldwide.
9) It is shown in 170 territories, in 88 countries. It has been remade in 8: US, France, Canada, Germany, Israel, Chile, Sweden and Russia.
10) It was the first British Sitcom to win a Golden Globe. The second was Ricky Gervais’ Extras. They are still the only two.
Tags: "10th anniversary", Extras, Ricky Gervais, The Office
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Thursday, July 7th, 2011
Sanda Bullock: Will star in new Ricky Gervais comedy, Life's Too Short
Sandra Bullock is to appear in Ricky Gervais’ new comedy series. The Oscar-winning actress has agreed to appear in Life’s Too Short, a ‘mocumentary’ following Dwarf actor Warwick Davis as he runs as talent agency for short people – alongside Keith Chegwin, Les Dennis and Shaun Williamson.
A source said: “Just having an Oscar winner alongside Cheggers, Les and Shaun is hilarious.
“It just goes to show the sort of pull Ricky Gervais has.”
Sandra was the subject of a series of gags from Ricky when he hosted the Golden Globe awards this year, including him claiming she once said “poor people are gross”, but didn’t mind being ridiculed by the British comic.
The source added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: “It just shows that Sandra has her sense of humour intact and isn’t one to hold grudges.”
Johnny Depp also has a cameo role in the show,which was co-written by Ricky and Stephen Merchant. A source said recently: “Johnny will guest star in Ricky’s new BBC show. He’s trying to work out his schedule but it will definitely go ahead.
“Johnny is a huge fan of Ricky’s and has a great sense of humour. He has wanted to work with Ricky for ages and this is it.”
Tags: life's too short, Ricky Gervais, Sandra Bullock
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Thursday, June 30th, 2011
Michael McIntyre: You would have thought someone would have told him to tuck his shirt in
He certainly divides opinion in the comedy world. Some – like stand up Stuart Lee – aren’t impressed by his popular style, while others admire him for what he’s achieved so far.
But whatever your views, you certainly can’t deny that Michael McIntyre is both hard-working and incredibly successful.
His Comedy Roadshows up and down the country attract the very best comedians while his performance as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent was generally regarded as being a breath of fresh air.
Now he’s topping off what has been an incredible 2011 with a one-hour BBC One Christmas Comedy Roadshow special, airing on Christmas Day.
Says McIntyre: “Having visited 12 of my favourite cities, I’m thrilled that my Comedy Roadshow is coming home for Christmas. It’s such an honour for the show to be on Christmas Day and to be introducing some of the biggest names in comedy to entertain a turkey-filled nation slumped on their sofas!”
Mark Linsey, Controller of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, added: “Who better to bring some Christmas cheer to BBC One viewers than Michael. He is such a favourite with our audiences and this show is bound to be a real festive treat.”
Comedy Roadshow’ features a routine from Michael, followed by three other comedians before the headline act from different venues around the UK.
The line-up of acts on the festive special has not yet been announced. The second series of the show, made by Open Mike Production, is currently airing on BBC One on Saturday nights.
Tags: Christmas special, comedy roadshow, Michael McIntyre
Posted in BBC 1, Comedy | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 28th, 2011
Neil Morrissey wants Men Behaving Badly to return
Neil Morrissey wants the BBC to bring back Men Behaving Badly – or Old Men Behaving Badly as it would have to be called
The 48-year-old actor , who played womaniser Tony Smart in the 90s sitcom, thinks it would be a great idea to catch up with Tony and his former flatmate Gary Strange (Martin Clunes) to see how the men are coping with middle age. He said: “I would love it to happen again. It would be great to explore what all the characters are doing and what is going on in their life.”
The sitcom – which ran from 1992-98 – also starred Leslie Ash as Tony’s love interest Deborah, Martin Clunes as Gary and Caroline Quentin as Gary’s love-term partner Dorothy Bishop.
Last year, Neil made his TV return by playing a gay dad in BBC Three sitcom The Inn Mates, after saying he was quitting acting for good in 2009. He retired from the profession after 25 years in the entertainment industry saying he no longer enjoyed being on TV and wanted to focus on the 17th century Yorkshire inn he owned with a friend.
But after the failure of another pub, the New Three Mariners in Wales, he was left millions of pounds in debt.
Tags: "martin clunes", men behaving badly, Neil Morrissey
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Friday, June 24th, 2011
Chat show kings Alan Carr and Graham Norton have been handed new £4 million deals. The stars, who currently go head to head on Friday nights with their Alan Carr: Chatty Man and The Graham Norton Show programmes on Channel 4 and BBC One respectively, have signed new two-year contracts.
Alan, who has agreed to front a further four series of his programme, is said to have impressed Channel 4 bosses with his ability to attract high-profile names like Jennifer Lopez to his show. An insider explained:
“We took a risk and it’s paid off. People love coming on his show and we get top-flight guests. We’ve tied him down for two more years to stop anyone else getting him.”
Meanwhile, Graham, who has been a main feature of the BBC One line-up since 2005 when he moved to the broadcaster from Channel 5, is in the process of finalising a new deal, which will see him front 34 editions of The Graham Norton Show each year.
A BBC insider told The Sun newspaper: “Graham’s been having a blast and he can’t see himself going anywhere else.”
Posted in BBC 1, C4 Television, Comedy | No Comments »
Monday, June 20th, 2011
He’s a great stand up and I love his sitcom, Not Going Out. So my expectations were already ridiculously high for Lee Mack’s new talk show, Lee Mack’s All Star Cast which made its debut on BBC 1, Friday night (June 17, 2011). I wasn’t disappointed.
Despite the fact that it was all fairly shambolic and chaotic – like it had been shot and edited on a shoestring budget for Channel 5 – the strength of Lee Mack’s character and his sharp Northern wit kept it entertaining and fast paced from beginning to end.
During the show guests Frank Skinner and Fern Britton were invited to guess who various audience members were supposed to look like and choose their most embarrassing stories – all very Graham Norton, though somehow much more engaging. Lee Mack was also great in his ability to take the piss out of his guests without them taking umbrage.
But without doubt the best bit of the show was the sketch which saw Mack in his bed sit trying to get Tess Daly to ditch her hubbie ‘Peter Kay’ and sleep with him while being serenaded by James Blunt taking off his monster hit, You’re Beautiful.
It was all reminiscent of Eric Morecambe at his best (indeed there was an Eric Morecambe poster on the door of the bed sit). And Tess Daly’s acting skills were a revelation. She could have found it all rather embarrassing but really went along with it.
Looking forward to the next one, though I hope they manage to sort out the editing!
Tags: "fern britton", "frank skinner", "lee mack", Comedy, not going out, tess daly
Posted in BBC 1, Comedy | No Comments »
Thursday, June 16th, 2011
Alan Carr - serenaded by Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez serenaded Alan Carr at a surprise birthday party thrown after filming his latest show.
The On The Floor hitmaker was joined by fellow guests Jonathan Ross, Gok Wan and Kelly Hoppen after filming on the latest episode of Alan Carr: Chatty Man at the kids’-themed bash to celebrate the host’s 35th birthday.
An insider explained: “Alan jumped out of his skin when all his guests screamed ‘surprise’ at him. He was in hysterics – he couldn’t believe J-Lo was singing just for him.
“Everyone whooped and screamed as she finished. J-Lo looked a little bewildered by proceedings, but giggled along gamely nonetheless.”
After singing Happy Birthday, the guests at Monday’s (13.06.11) party dined on jelly and ice cream, cupcakes and retro sweets, as well as making their own impromptu cocktails.
The source added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: “Alan insisted everybody run back up to the studio and raid the mini-bar from the stage, which he uses to give guests a pretty disgusting or tacky drink.
“They all made the worst drinks they could and downed them as one. Even Jennifer got stuck into the cheeky vimto.”
Tags: Alan Carr, chatty man, Jennifer Lopez
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Thursday, June 16th, 2011
David Walliams and Matt Lucas - one of the most popular comedy double acts ever
One of the most successful comedy partnerships since The Two Ronnies and Morecambe and Wise have called time on their professional partnership.
David Walliams and Matt Lucas, who made a mint after creating the hit sketch series Little Britain, are to part ways after more than two decades of performing together and make separate new shows for the BBC.
While the pair had originally planned to write a second series of hilarious spoof show Come Fly With Me, David is now reportedly developing his first comedy without Matt, in which he will portray a stressed-out classroom teacher.
Meanwhile, 37-year-old Matt will return to his former role in Les Miserables in London’s West End theatre district before fronting BBC One’s The Matt Lucas Awards, which will see him dole out a series of alternative accolades.
A friend of the pair told The Sun newspaper: “They still get on but as far as being working partners is concerned, that had ground to a halt.
“They both wanted to do completely different things. Neither wants to be defined by the partnership any more. They want to be known as more than those guys that do Little Britain.”
It’s understandable I guess, but the comedy duo – who met while performing with the National Youth Theatre in 1990 – definitely brought out the best in each other. It will be interesting to see how they will fare alone.
Tags: "david walliams", Comedy, matt lucas
Posted in BBC 1, BBC Television, Comedy | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 15th, 2011
With lashings of ginger beer no doubt, The Comic Strip is set to return to our screens.
The classic series – which helped launch the careers of Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith Allen, Alexei Sayle and Adrian Edmondson – has been re-commissioned by Channel 4 for a one-off special.
The special will see former Prime Minister Tony Blair on the run after committing a murder. A source said: “Tony Blair vows to clear his name no matter what.”
Original stars Jennifer Saunders, Nigel Planer, Robbie Coltrane, and Rik Mayall will appear alongside newcomers James Buckley, John Sessions, Ross Noble, Catherine Shepherd, Ford Kiernan and Morgana Robinson.
Channel 4 comedy boss Shane Allen told The Sun newspaper: “It’s an irresistibly hilarious script from the Godfathers of modern comedy. There are so many juicy parts for the big comedy hitters of the Comic Strip team alongside newer talents.”
The Comic Strip was first devised by Peter Richardson in 1982 to showcase emerging talents, before going off the air in 1993.
The show then returned for three specials in 1998, 20000 and 2005.
You can see the first ever Comic Strip, the Enid Blyton spoof, Five Go Mad in Dorset, below:
The Comic Strip Presents… Five Go Mad In… by deathbyplastic
Tags: "comic strip", Channel 4
Posted in C4 Television, Channel 4, Comedy | No Comments »
Monday, June 13th, 2011
Shit Lookalikes: Rob Brydon and Anton Du Beke. Or is it the other way round?
Thoroughly enjoyed Channel 4′s Comedy Gala on Friday night – with the exception of Michael McIntyre who I normally enjoy, but found incredibly smug with his routine about how famous he is since judging Britain’s Got Talent.
As well as the some of the UK’s best comedians (Lee Evans was the highlight – much less slapstick, and far more cutting than I remember him, but also really rate Jack Whitehall) some of the adverts and messages of support for the Great Ormond Street Hospital charity event were brilliant.
Loved Jimmy and Alan Carr appearing in various adverts between the stand up routines especially Alan Carr in his budgie smugglers in the Foster’s Advert and Jimmy popping up as a sinister looking monkey in a Costa Coffee advert. Certainly made the adverts much more enjoyable and less predictable than usual.
There was also a great sketch featuring an AA man who was getting confused between Rob Brydon and Anton Du Beke. Must admit I hadn’t really thought about how similar they looked until I saw them both together in the sketch. Not such a shit look alike after all then?
http://www.gosh.org/gen/channel-4s-comedy-gala/
Tags: "jimmy carr", Alan Carr, anton du beke, channel 4 comedy gala, great ormond street, rob brydon
Posted in Channel 4, Comedy, Shit Lookalikes | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 7th, 2011
There have been very few decent British sitcoms on TV recently. Not Going Out featuring Lee Mack and Tim Vine is one (the fifth series due to air later this year is currently being written). Lead Balloon, written by Jack Dee and Peter Sinclair, is another.
Now in its fourth series, the show revolves around the character of Rick Spleen, a misanthropic comedian, not unlike the Jack Dee we are used to from stand-up performances. Once a kind of ‘household name’ thanks to appearances on TV, fame-obsessed Rick has since faced a series of career set backs and now scrapes by doing comedy turns at business awards ceremonies as his wife becomes increasingly successful running her talent agency.
In last week’s slightly cringing, but nevertheless funny, episode (the first of the new series), Rick was seen wrestling a pig which he bought to make himself seem more interesting to a Times journalist who had come to the house to interview his wife. Not as if Rick could accept the fact that she wasn’t at all interested in his career or the novel he was trying to write.
In tonight’s episode, Dead, he becomes the latest presenter on The Bargain Channel, a job that finally meets approval from his cleaner Magda, who is one of the station’s biggest fans. But his latest attempt at achieving fame fails to impress Marty or Michael. Meanwhile, Sam and her boyfriend Ben claim to be looking for gainful employment – despite never actually leaving the sofa.
Tags: "jack dee", "lead balloon", not going out
Posted in Comedy, Set the Vid | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
Crissy Rock: axed from Benidorm
Crissy Rock has been axed from hit comedy series Benidorm. The 51-year-old actress is to depart the sitcom after four years playing Janey York, who is in charge of the run-down Solana Hotel.
The new series is set to start with the hotel having been taken over by new bosses, meaning there is no longer a place for Janey. A show spokesperson said: “We’d like to thank Crissy for her contribution over the years.”
Despite Crissy’s departure, show insiders insist the new series will be more exciting than ever. A source said: “It’s sad but we do freshen up Benidorm every year as new holidaymakers or staff come and go.
“The new series will be no exception, so expect lots of exciting new stories and some special guest stars.”
While Crissy won’t be seen in the new series of the programme, veteran actress Joan Collins could make an appearance after her sister, author Jackie Collins, revealed her to be a huge fan of the show.
Jackie tweeted to the show’s creator Derren Litten: “Benidorm is totally fab. My sis Joan Collins would love to do a guest shot on it. I got her addicted!!!”
Derren responded, saying: “Wow! That’s amazing! But what about you too?! We want you BOTH!”
Previous guest stars on Benidorm have included Cilla Black and Bananarama.
Tags: Benidorm, Crissy Rock
Posted in Comedy, ITV 1, ITV Channels | No Comments »
Friday, April 8th, 2011
It’s the last in the series of Benidorm tonight (ITV1, 9pm) and I must admit I won’t be too disappointed about it hanging up its sun hat this time round.
Since Johnny Vegas left, the show hasn’t felt the same. The Carry On, seaside humour which I initially enjoyed is now starting to wear a bit thin (though Donald’s reference to Jacqueline enjoying a Chorizo sausage in cider last week made me chuckle). And the situations the hapless holidaymakers find themselves in are becoming increasingly ridiculous.
Rather than Benidorm in the height of summer, it’s all beginning to feel like a wet weekend in Lowestoft. And the show isn’t helped by having to fill an hour time slot which the material doesn’t really justify.
Tonight’s episode sees the demise of larger than life swinger Donald who takes his own life at sea rather than be confined to a hospital bed. But don’t expect a dignified send off as Jacqueline tries to reunite him with his hat by taking a banana boat out to the jetty.
You can see an episode preview here: http://www.itv.com/benidorm/previews/ep6previewdonaldsgone/
Tags: Benidorm
Posted in Comedy, ITV 1, ITV Channels | No Comments »
Thursday, April 7th, 2011
Caroline Aherne: Behind new sitcom The Security Men
I absolutely love Caroline Aherne. I think she is a comedy genius so when I heard she’s behind a new four part comedy series I couldn’t help but get excited in the hope that it might be even half as good as The Royle Family – a programme that in my opinion redefined British comedy and the British sitcom in particular.
She’s teamed up with Jeff Pop to pen The Security Men, a four-part series following security guards working the night shift in a Manchester shopping centre. A pilot of the show has been filmed and the rest of the series will be shot this summer, with the series expected to air on ITV next year.
The first episode follows the guards’ plans to skip work and switch off the security alarm to watch the boxing in an electronics store. However, when they turn the alarm back on, they discover a jewellery store has been robbed.
ITV’s director of entertainment and comedy Elaine Bedell said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with Caroline and Jeff – two writers at the top of their game. I believe together they have created some of the best comedy scripts for television. Combined with the talent and wit of our cast, The Security Men is a very fresh and exciting project for ITV.”
Caroline is expected to appear in the programme, which will star Ashes to Ashes actor Dean Andrews, Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness, Peter Wright and Bobby Ball.
Tags: "the royle family", caroline aherne, mrs merton show
Posted in Comedy, ITV Channels | No Comments »
Thursday, April 7th, 2011
Ade Edmondson will star again with Rik Mayall in new old people's sitcom
They’re best known for appearing as students in the anarchic sitcom The Young Ones, penned by Ben Elton back in the 1980s. But now, somewhat bizarrely, Adrian Edmondson and Rik Mayall are collaborating on a new sitcom all about…an old people’s home.
The comic duo promises the new show will be as crazy as their previous efforts, despite featuring a much older generation of characters. Adrian told The Sun newspaper: “Rik and I have an idea for a sitcom for when we are very, very old. We want to set it in an old people’s home 30 years hence.
“It will be like ‘Bottom’, but we will be hitting each other with colostomy bags.”
Adrian and Rik hadn’t worked together for eight years until a recent performance on Let’s Dance For Comic Relief and TV bosses are hopeful that their planned new venture will also see them work with ‘The Young Ones’ co-stars Nigel Planer and Christopher Ryan again.
One insider said: “It’s a genius idea to have Rik and Ade playing anarchic old fogeys.
“Fans and telly bosses would love to get Nigel and Christopher involved too – but they could need persuading.”
Somehow I don’t think it will be anywhere near as good as The Young Ones which really managed to capture the spirit of the times with its portrayal of struggling students on grants (remember them?) in Thatcher’s Britain. But I could be wrong. Maybe they will pull it off.
Posted in Comedy, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Thursday, March 31st, 2011
Johnny Vegas has got married
Congratulations Johnny Vegas! The former Benidorm star has tied the knot with PR consultant Maia Dunphy in a ceremony at a Spanish ranch in front of 120 family and friends.
A source said: “It was a beautiful and very romantic setting. Maia looked stunning. Johnny is clearly besotted with her and they never stop smiling when they’re together. It was very touching.”
Maia invited her priest from her native Dublin to preside over the marriage while Johnny – who is famed for his drinking escapades – made sure the guests all had a good time.
The source added: “Unsurprisingly, there were a lot of sore heads the next morning.”
The happy couple have now flown off on honeymoon.
Johnny, 39, and 34-year-old Maia started dating in 2009, a year after the divorce from his first wife Kitty (mother of his seven-year-old son Michael) was finalised.
Posted in Comedy, gossip | No Comments »
Thursday, March 24th, 2011
Johnny Depp is to star in new Ricky Gervais sitcom, Life's Too Short
Johnny Depp is set to star in Ricky Gervais’ new sitcom. The 47-year-old actor – who was the butt of one of The Office star’s jibes at this year’s Golden Globes, when he described Johnny’s acting in ‘The Tourist as one-dimensional – is reportedly being lined up for a role in Ricky and partner Stephen Merchant’s new BBC Two sitcom Life’s Too Short.
However, it would appear Johnny took Golden Globes host Ricky’s jokes on the chin, as he has a “great sense of humour”. An insider told The Sun newspaper: “Johnny will guest star in Ricky’s new BBC Two show. He’s trying to work out his schedule but it will definitely go ahead.
“Johnny is a huge fan of Ricky’s and has a great sense of humour. He has wanted to work with Ricky for ages and this is it.”
Filming for the show, which will also be screened on the HBO channel in the US, begins in May and will document the tale of an ego-maniac dwarf (Warwick Davis) who runs a talent agency for other vertically-challenged actors and singers.
Life’s Too Short has been described as a cross between Ricky Gervais’ Extras and American cult comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Posted in BBC 2, Comedy | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
Comedian James Corden has become a Dad for the first time
Larger than life comedian James Corden has become a father for the first time. The Gavin and Stacey star and his fiancee Julia Carey – who he popped the question to on Christmas Day last year – welcomed a baby boy into the world at London’s Portland Hospital on Tuesday morning (22nd March).
According to The Sun newspaper, no further details of the early arrival have been revealed and the couple are yet to decide on a name for the tot.
When announcing the pregnancy, the 32-year-old actor-and-comedian admitted he and Julia – who he began dating in September 2009 after being introduced to the blonde beauty by James’ former flatmate, actor Dominic Cooper – were “absolutely over the moon” to be expecting a baby.
He said: “It’s true. We’re both absolutely over the moon. We really couldn’t be any happier.”
Meanwhile, friends of James – who previously dated Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star Sheridan Smith – recently claimed the baby news couldn’t have come at a better time for the TV star, who is finally ready to settle down.
A source revealed: “He was a bit of a ladies’ man in the past but those days are well behind him. He’s at the right age to settle down – and has met the girl of his dreams. He can’t wait to be a dad. Having a baby is a proud moment for James.”
Tags: Gavin And Stacey, james corden, julia carey
Posted in Comedy, Gavin And Stacey, News | No Comments »
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