HIGNFY: Russian 'Spies'
Today's Have I Got News For You picture gag follows the news that .The Russian 'spies' blew their cover by sitting in a coffee shop using their laptops to pass secrets instead of pretending to write a novel...
Archives for June 2010
Today's Have I Got News For You picture gag follows the news that .The Russian 'spies' blew their cover by sitting in a coffee shop using their laptops to pass secrets instead of pretending to write a novel...
Mongrels: How to have a TV show broadcast and avoid counselling
As I'm sure regular readers of this blog will have noticed by now, Mongrels started last Tuesday on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Three. Last week over on the TV blog, Adam wrote about how the show began. Now he takes stock of the show's reception since the first episode aired.
Adam Miller, creator and director of Mongrels, writes...
What a long strange week it's been; having a TV show that you've poured your heart and soul into for five long years inserted into the living rooms of the country for the first time, it's quite a roller-coaster ride.
First come the previews the week before (aka "hooray, the Radio Times were lovely.")
Then come the Sunday papers (aka "hooray, The Guardian wasn't too mean.")
Then the previews the day before (aka "Yay, Metro seems to like us.")
Then finally the reviews (aka "oops, Metro doesn't like us.")
It's a bizarre process this, and a fascinating one. You're told by everyone in the business from the outset not to read reviews, but realistically, unless you plan a trip to the Gobi Desert over the broadcast, then curiosity will get the better of you. And my god are there a lot of reviews and websites you can beat yourself up with. Surfing the net for Mongrels now is akin to dipping your hand in a box for a particularly nasty I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here trial, where you don't know if it contains a warm handshake, or a four foot spider with a grievance.
On the plus side, I think we're coming out of the minefield in fairly good nick; there seems to be more than a hint of Marmite about the show: reviewers, even within the same publication, seem to either love us or hate us, and I'm not sure that's a bad thing. It would have been a terrible waste to use puppetry and produce a programme that was bland, when I believe it's a medium that allows you so much more leeway in the stories you can tell.
But what an odd thing this exposure is. We've had some wonderful messages from people who truly love the show, some visceral attacks over the edgyness of the content and even some religious debates over a of this coming week's episode (look out for Kalis' "What Kind of God?" song). It's a strange world out there, but you only truly start to realise quite how strange when you pop your head over the parapet.
However, when the dust all settles, what I think I'll remember most from our first week is the good stuff. The lovely messages on , some of the kind comments on YouTube and our Facebook page, and the reviewers that liked us. As to the rest... well I suppose you just have to stick your hand in the box, and gently stroke the spider.
Watch Episode Two of Mongrels on Tuesday 29th June at 10.30pm on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Three. Here's a preview!
Adam Miller, creator and director of Mongrels, writes...
What a long strange week it's been; having a TV show that you've poured your heart and soul into for five long years inserted into the living rooms of the country for the first time, it's quite a roller-coaster ride.
First come the previews the week before (aka "hooray, the Radio Times were lovely.")
Then come the Sunday papers (aka "hooray, The Guardian wasn't too mean.")
Then the previews the day before (aka "Yay, Metro seems to like us.")
Then finally the reviews (aka "oops, Metro doesn't like us.")
It's a bizarre process this, and a fascinating one. You're told by everyone in the business from the outset not to read reviews, but realistically, unless you plan a trip to the Gobi Desert over the broadcast, then curiosity will get the better of you. And my god are there a lot of reviews and websites you can beat yourself up with. Surfing the net for Mongrels now is akin to dipping your hand in a box for a particularly nasty I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here trial, where you don't know if it contains a warm handshake, or a four foot spider with a grievance.
On the plus side, I think we're coming out of the minefield in fairly good nick; there seems to be more than a hint of Marmite about the show: reviewers, even within the same publication, seem to either love us or hate us, and I'm not sure that's a bad thing. It would have been a terrible waste to use puppetry and produce a programme that was bland, when I believe it's a medium that allows you so much more leeway in the stories you can tell.
But what an odd thing this exposure is. We've had some wonderful messages from people who truly love the show, some visceral attacks over the edgyness of the content and even some religious debates over a of this coming week's episode (look out for Kalis' "What Kind of God?" song). It's a strange world out there, but you only truly start to realise quite how strange when you pop your head over the parapet.
However, when the dust all settles, what I think I'll remember most from our first week is the good stuff. The lovely messages on , some of the kind comments on YouTube and our Facebook page, and the reviewers that liked us. As to the rest... well I suppose you just have to stick your hand in the box, and gently stroke the spider.
Watch Episode Two of Mongrels on Tuesday 29th June at 10.30pm on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Three. Here's a preview!
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ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Three commissions pilot for Jason Lewis
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Three have today announced that they have commissioned Jason Lewis for a 30 minute new pilot after the success of his Sniggers With Attitude sketches on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Comedy website.
The Jason Lewis Experience will see a mix of pre-recorded sketches featuring Jason's take on a variety of famous people, such as Jay Z trying to deal with one of his with his 99 Problems or Tinchy Strider lamenting on the challenges of getting with the ladies when you're a tiny pop star.
Through the pilot they will be able to enjoy the return of characters such as Nanny Discipline (the kick ass granny, as well as a host of new additions including David Cameron, Prince Harry and Dizzee Rascal.
Cheryl Taylor, Controller of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Comedy Commissioning, said: "Jason is an incredibly talented young comedian, who has so far starred alongside some comedy veterans as well as building up a loyal online fan base for his own work. We are delighted to have commissioned a pilot featuring some of his best characters and look forward to a host of new ones."
The show will be filmed in September and air later this year. Jason's next video for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Comedy will be on the site soon.
Good work Jason!
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The Jason Lewis Experience will see a mix of pre-recorded sketches featuring Jason's take on a variety of famous people, such as Jay Z trying to deal with one of his with his 99 Problems or Tinchy Strider lamenting on the challenges of getting with the ladies when you're a tiny pop star.
Through the pilot they will be able to enjoy the return of characters such as Nanny Discipline (the kick ass granny, as well as a host of new additions including David Cameron, Prince Harry and Dizzee Rascal.
Cheryl Taylor, Controller of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Comedy Commissioning, said: "Jason is an incredibly talented young comedian, who has so far starred alongside some comedy veterans as well as building up a loyal online fan base for his own work. We are delighted to have commissioned a pilot featuring some of his best characters and look forward to a host of new ones."
The show will be filmed in September and air later this year. Jason's next video for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Comedy will be on the site soon.
Good work Jason!
Grandpa Dave aka David Attenborough
The talentedÌý (aka Ben Smith) kicked off his brilliant series of new music videos on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Comedy with his hip hop eulogy for a fallen,
albeit furry, gang member Jimmy Wiggz.
Next up, is some lyrical love for Grandpa Dave aka David Attenborough.
Doc gave us the low down on shooting this video.
Ìý
Doc Brown writes...
A homage to the greatest living Englishman, this video was given a whole different vibe once we heard the music backing track my partner in crime Mikis had created for it. We initially had visions of me running about in a pith helmet super-imposed onto an episode of The Secret Life of Plants. What Mikis' piano instantly brought though was a pathos that perfectly anchored my genuine love for the king of lyricists - a man who can talk about the sucker pads of barnacles and make you feel like it's the most important news you've ever had.
We switched the setting to the Horniman Museum in south London (like a mini Natural History Museum but with a flaky skinned walrus instead of a blue whale as their centrepiece) and even approached the man himself about making a guest appearance. He turned us down in such a lovely way it felt like he'd accepted. Legend.
Ìý
So, we settled on a lookalike who, at a glance, really did look like Sir Dave, even turning a few geeky zoological heads amongst the Horniman staff, until he opened his mouth and this brash cockney leapt out at you: "Bladdy 'ell I could murder a brew!"
Whilst we were all very professional in our approach to the location shoot, I was surprised at quite how entertained we were kept by the number of stuffed birds whose names ended with tit or cock.
Ìý
There's a fantasy strand to the video's narrative imagining a six year old version of me on a day out with David, wherein the great man gives the lad a DVD of Life on Earth. I'd secretly had my eye on taking that DVD for myself at the end of the shoot, but the child actor Romeio asked if he could keep it and the crew were like "of course!" My jealousy regressed me by 24 years. I think I may have even stamped a foot.
Must say though - respect to Romeio! They say never work with children or animals but from my experiences on this vid I'd say what's the fuss? (Though to be fair the animals were either stuffed or played by humans).
Have a look at some behind the scenes photos from this Doc Brown shoot on our .
Next up, is some lyrical love for Grandpa Dave aka David Attenborough.
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Doc gave us the low down on shooting this video.
Ìý
Doc Brown writes...
A homage to the greatest living Englishman, this video was given a whole different vibe once we heard the music backing track my partner in crime Mikis had created for it. We initially had visions of me running about in a pith helmet super-imposed onto an episode of The Secret Life of Plants. What Mikis' piano instantly brought though was a pathos that perfectly anchored my genuine love for the king of lyricists - a man who can talk about the sucker pads of barnacles and make you feel like it's the most important news you've ever had.
We switched the setting to the Horniman Museum in south London (like a mini Natural History Museum but with a flaky skinned walrus instead of a blue whale as their centrepiece) and even approached the man himself about making a guest appearance. He turned us down in such a lovely way it felt like he'd accepted. Legend.
Ìý
So, we settled on a lookalike who, at a glance, really did look like Sir Dave, even turning a few geeky zoological heads amongst the Horniman staff, until he opened his mouth and this brash cockney leapt out at you: "Bladdy 'ell I could murder a brew!"Whilst we were all very professional in our approach to the location shoot, I was surprised at quite how entertained we were kept by the number of stuffed birds whose names ended with tit or cock.
Ìý
There's a fantasy strand to the video's narrative imagining a six year old version of me on a day out with David, wherein the great man gives the lad a DVD of Life on Earth. I'd secretly had my eye on taking that DVD for myself at the end of the shoot, but the child actor Romeio asked if he could keep it and the crew were like "of course!" My jealousy regressed me by 24 years. I think I may have even stamped a foot.
Must say though - respect to Romeio! They say never work with children or animals but from my experiences on this vid I'd say what's the fuss? (Though to be fair the animals were either stuffed or played by humans).
Have a look at some behind the scenes photos from this Doc Brown shoot on our .
Blessed's Battle Cry? Imprison the beardy imposter!
Who's ? Doesn't he know that impersonating the King is high treason!Just give me five minutes in the Tower with that shouty tosser and I'll shove a vuvuzela so far up his jacksy he'll need a whole army to pull it out. And it won't just be his nostrils that are stretched wide - I'll tell you that much.
I knew this was a bad time to go on holiday. I told Catherine - "If you think I'm missing a whole summer of sport stuck in some crappy caravan by the sea you're cruising for a divorce." Or worse. But she got all moody and said she'd go without me. And last time I was left on my own I got my head stuck in the microwave so what choice did I have?
Bugger it, here she comes now with a bucket and spade. No! I don't want to go once more unto the beach. There's nothing to do and the sand gets in my codpiece. Maybe I can fake sunstroke and get down the pub by three. Come on England!
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Join Henry VIII on his Tudor Holiday from next week here on bbc.co.uk/comedy. In the meantime, why not catch up with the first series of Henry 8.0?
HIGNFY: freshly laid
We've got a freshly laid topical gag for you today. Very topical. Very fresh. Steaming hot topicality!
...you'd better just read on to see the joke...
...you'd better just read on to see the joke...
On Mongrels tonight: watch a fox take advantage of Toby Anstis
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So, tonight's the night! Mongrels starts on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Three at 10pm. Watch Nelson the fox use Toby Anstis's social networking login to set up a blind date with a human, see Destiny sign up for Strictly Dog Dancing, and marvel at Marion the cat's attempt to do something very naughty indeed.
The show's creator and director, Adam Miller, explained on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ TV Blog how this puppet show for adults came about: "we wanted to make something that had the pace of an American animation
but with British sensibilities, that was adult, but not crude, that was
based in the realities of the animal world, and that didn't rely on the
puppets to do the comedy." Check out the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ TV Blog for more.Ìý
Watch the first episode and let us know what you think. If you have any questions about how it was made, leave them below and the production team may respond.
HIGNFY: Sarkozy gets a lift
Football fever continues! Well it might be a football-induced fever - though it could also just be the sun.
Are you following Have I Got News For You on ? It's a reliable companion to guide you through these uncertain times between TV series.
Anyhow, read on for today's topical picture gag!
Are you following Have I Got News For You on ? It's a reliable companion to guide you through these uncertain times between TV series.
Anyhow, read on for today's topical picture gag!
Watch Ronnie Corbett on Weekend Wogan
Ronnie Corbett will always be loved by many for his performances in The Two Ronnies, but if you've seen his astonishing guest appearance in Extras, it's difficult to shake the memory of him behaving very badly.
But maybe this will help. Ronnie was a guest on last Sunday's Weekend Wogan, and although it's a live radio show, you can now WATCH the edited highlights online - including Ronnie's interview. Here's the show - Ronnie was the first guest:
Weekend Wogan is on Sundays at 11am on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 2. Watch highlights - including Ricky Gervais - on the Weekend Wogan website.
But maybe this will help. Ronnie was a guest on last Sunday's Weekend Wogan, and although it's a live radio show, you can now WATCH the edited highlights online - including Ronnie's interview. Here's the show - Ronnie was the first guest:
View the full blog post to access video content. In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions.
Weekend Wogan is on Sundays at 11am on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 2. Watch highlights - including Ricky Gervais - on the Weekend Wogan website.
Jimmy Wiggz GPIG RIP
(aka Ben Smith) spent 10 years rapping his way through the music biz, touring with Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, Mark Ronson and releasing three critically acclaimed albums before falling out of love with the industry in 2007.
Since then he's developed a new - though perhaps not so different - performance-based talent that involves the use of a stage and a microphone: stand-up comedy. Thankfully it turned out he's very, very funny, alternating between stand-up and rap to hilarious effect.
And now he's turned some of his songs into videos, just for us. We're very proud to present the first... Jimmy Wiggz!
We asked Doc to tell us a bit about shooting this video, which was clearly lot of fun.
Doc Brown writes...
In many ways, this rap wrote itself. But in lots more ways, I wrote it. And the vision for shooting it, on the surface, seemed equally cut and dry. In actuality, on that shoot, everyone chipped in with fantastic ideas which I shouted down, then reproduced a few minutes later as my own.
One of the locations in this video is the famous gothic Nunhead Cemetery in South East London. We were there at eight in the morning, blinged up, walking amongst the gravestones playing a loud hip hop backing track on a huge boombox. We got a few weird looks, but thankfully weren't attacked by any undead corpses.
This is also the video in which both producers demanded cameo roles. Or maybe we just couldn't afford any more real actors to play those parts. Anyway, see if you can spot them. One makes a very convincing psychopath and the other makes a completely unconvincing vicar.
The shoot was a lot of fun - without giving anything away there is one scene in which a simple attempt to drink from an unusual utensil sparked a mass corpsing the likes of which I have never before experienced. At the time I honestly never thought we'd get the take. Luckily we did - see if you can spot the corners of anyone's mouths faltering... that was the vibe of the shoot in a nutshell.
You don't have long to wait for Doc's next video - come back to the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Comedy website on Wednesday for more!
Since then he's developed a new - though perhaps not so different - performance-based talent that involves the use of a stage and a microphone: stand-up comedy. Thankfully it turned out he's very, very funny, alternating between stand-up and rap to hilarious effect.
And now he's turned some of his songs into videos, just for us. We're very proud to present the first... Jimmy Wiggz!
View the full blog post to access video content. In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions.
We asked Doc to tell us a bit about shooting this video, which was clearly lot of fun.
Doc Brown writes...
In many ways, this rap wrote itself. But in lots more ways, I wrote it. And the vision for shooting it, on the surface, seemed equally cut and dry. In actuality, on that shoot, everyone chipped in with fantastic ideas which I shouted down, then reproduced a few minutes later as my own.
One of the locations in this video is the famous gothic Nunhead Cemetery in South East London. We were there at eight in the morning, blinged up, walking amongst the gravestones playing a loud hip hop backing track on a huge boombox. We got a few weird looks, but thankfully weren't attacked by any undead corpses.
This is also the video in which both producers demanded cameo roles. Or maybe we just couldn't afford any more real actors to play those parts. Anyway, see if you can spot them. One makes a very convincing psychopath and the other makes a completely unconvincing vicar.
The shoot was a lot of fun - without giving anything away there is one scene in which a simple attempt to drink from an unusual utensil sparked a mass corpsing the likes of which I have never before experienced. At the time I honestly never thought we'd get the take. Luckily we did - see if you can spot the corners of anyone's mouths faltering... that was the vibe of the shoot in a nutshell.
You don't have long to wait for Doc's next video - come back to the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Comedy website on Wednesday for more!
Look Away Now - Adrian Chiles explains ITV's goal gaffe
Your attention please! Here are this week's World Cup Headlines from the Look Away Now sportsdesk:
England News
The England team say they were delighted by last week's visit to a big-game safari. They saw a giraffe and an elephant and Wayne Rooney shot Peter Crouch.
Fabio Capello has refuted Franz Beckenbauer's claim that England have returned to the bad old days of kick and rush. Capello insists that his system is entirely different - it's kick and rush and fumble into the back of your own net.
Stuart Pearce has leapt to the defence of Fabio Capello, by pointing out that in the USA match, apart from picking the wrong goalkeeper, and a striker who can't score goals, and a central defender who's permanently injured and then replacing him with one who's too slow, and a left-winger who's out of his depth and then replacing him with one who's abysmal, Capello got all the big decisions right.
Media News
The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ is considering whether to show a red button version of the World Cup without the constant, annoying drone. Or they may simply stop employing Mick McCarthy.
ITV has claimed that cutting away to a Hyundai advert just before Steven Gerrard's goal was not in fact a mistake but a deliberate ploy based on the principal "A watched pot never boils".
Listen to Adrian Chiles explain the gaffe in this preview clip from tonight's Look Away Now:
Topical sports comedy show Look Away Now continues on Thursdays at 6.30pm on Radio 4. If you miss it, don't worry - you can download it as a podcast.
Headlines by the Look Away Now writing team. Illustration by Dipak Patel.
England News
The England team say they were delighted by last week's visit to a big-game safari. They saw a giraffe and an elephant and Wayne Rooney shot Peter Crouch. Fabio Capello has refuted Franz Beckenbauer's claim that England have returned to the bad old days of kick and rush. Capello insists that his system is entirely different - it's kick and rush and fumble into the back of your own net.
Stuart Pearce has leapt to the defence of Fabio Capello, by pointing out that in the USA match, apart from picking the wrong goalkeeper, and a striker who can't score goals, and a central defender who's permanently injured and then replacing him with one who's too slow, and a left-winger who's out of his depth and then replacing him with one who's abysmal, Capello got all the big decisions right.
Media News
The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ is considering whether to show a red button version of the World Cup without the constant, annoying drone. Or they may simply stop employing Mick McCarthy.
ITV has claimed that cutting away to a Hyundai advert just before Steven Gerrard's goal was not in fact a mistake but a deliberate ploy based on the principal "A watched pot never boils".
Listen to Adrian Chiles explain the gaffe in this preview clip from tonight's Look Away Now:
View the full blog post to listen to audio content. In order to access this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Webwise for full instructions.
Topical sports comedy show Look Away Now continues on Thursdays at 6.30pm on Radio 4. If you miss it, don't worry - you can download it as a podcast.
Headlines by the Look Away Now writing team. Illustration by Dipak Patel.
John Bishop's Britain
We've just heard that ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One are welcoming Liverpudlian comedian John Bishop to Saturday nights - he's going to host his own show called John Bishop's Britain.
It will be a mix of stand-up and real life stories from celebrities and members of the Great British Public (that's you). John will perform sets on universal themes such as parenthood, love and marriage - putting his own family life, passions and problems under the spotlight in a jam packed show.
John had this to say: "I can't wait to share the views of the Great British Public with ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One viewers and to meet with some exciting people and swap our stories, the stuff that makes us who we are."
For a taste of what's to come, here's John talking about his kids on , and refelecting on growing old with .
Meet the Mongrels
Take a good look at the rabble below. As of next week, this bunch of urban strays are going to do be doing for puppet animals what South Park did for cartoon schoolkids.
Don't believe me? Here's a song from the series:
Everybody Loves a Lesbian
Read on to meet the characters!
Don't believe me? Here's a song from the series:Everybody Loves a Lesbian
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Read on to meet the characters!
The return of Special 1 TV
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There'll be new web-exclusive Special 1 videos like this one on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Three Blog every day this week - and don't forget to leave your comments for The Special One while you're at it...
Special 1 TV continues on Thursday at 11pm on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Three and online.
Rufus Hound is Hounded
Rufus Hound's new children's comedy show has started on CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ today, as the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ TV Blog reports. It was spawned from the same creative genesis as the bonkers ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Three sketch show The Wrong Door, and it looks like a lot of fun.Rufus explains the premise:
"I play a man called Rufus Hound who is blasted into parallel universes by his future self to defeat the evil machinations of Dr Muhahahaha and his pernickety sidekick Steve. I know what you're thinking - "not that old chestnut!". But like I say, we were a bit busy shouting at pigeons and eating ice cream.
You can read more from Rufus over on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ TV Blog.
Watch Hounded on Fridays at 5.15pm on CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½.
Lee Nelson's Well Good Show
Lee Nelson's Well Good Show starts tonight at 10.30pm on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Three. Watch what happened when we sent him to Radio 1's One Big Weekend, and he bumped into Scott Mills...
And now, to prepare you for tonight's full Lee Nelson experience, here are a few words from the man himself:
Lee on... Lee
My name is Lee Nelson and I'm a massive legend. I live in London and I got my own TV show called Lee Nelson's Well Good Show. Over 600 million people r watching every week and since it come out I've banged 7 birds. Quality! If u missed an episode don't worry I'm sure u can sort urself a copy off someone from China.
Lee on... Omelette
Omelette is my best mate, we grew up together and I've known him since he was an egg. All u need to know about Omelette is that he's a fat legend, nuf said. We have a right larf together on my show and I get him to do stuff he well don't want to do - like we stripped him to his pants, covered him in cream and got a dog to lick it off. Qwaliteeee!
Lee on... his Nan
Every show I get my Nan to sing a qwality tune by like Dizzee or Wiley or The Streets. She's got the worst voice ever, it's proper funny. I luv my nan though and I respect her generation - I mean if u think we got it tough now back in the day a Gillette only had 1 blade!
Lee on... Jason Bent
Jason Bent is a well brilliant Premier League footballer and he's given us 110% access to his life as a footballer in his own reality TV show 110% Bent.
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And now, to prepare you for tonight's full Lee Nelson experience, here are a few words from the man himself:
Lee on... Lee
My name is Lee Nelson and I'm a massive legend. I live in London and I got my own TV show called Lee Nelson's Well Good Show. Over 600 million people r watching every week and since it come out I've banged 7 birds. Quality! If u missed an episode don't worry I'm sure u can sort urself a copy off someone from China.
Lee on... Omelette
Omelette is my best mate, we grew up together and I've known him since he was an egg. All u need to know about Omelette is that he's a fat legend, nuf said. We have a right larf together on my show and I get him to do stuff he well don't want to do - like we stripped him to his pants, covered him in cream and got a dog to lick it off. Qwaliteeee!
Lee on... his Nan
Every show I get my Nan to sing a qwality tune by like Dizzee or Wiley or The Streets. She's got the worst voice ever, it's proper funny. I luv my nan though and I respect her generation - I mean if u think we got it tough now back in the day a Gillette only had 1 blade!
Lee on... Jason Bent
Jason Bent is a well brilliant Premier League footballer and he's given us 110% access to his life as a footballer in his own reality TV show 110% Bent.
Look Away Now
Fresh from the Look Away Now sportsdesk, here are today's World Cup headlines:
ITV1 is forced to pull series two of Rio Ferdinand's World Cup
Wind-Ups. A spokesman admitted that the cheeky pranks of the first
series had been replaced by a series of vengeful punishment beatings,
which weren't appropriate for a mainstream audience.
Fabio Capello denies that the reason Marks & Spencer's were chosen to supply the England team suits was so that the players can take them back as soon as they get knocked out.
Ìý
South African tourist board admits that its slogan "The 2010 World Cup in South Africa: Honestly, it'll be Fine" did not on reflection send out the right message.
Ìý
England players admit that after practising with the new Adidas Jabulani ball, reputedly the roundest football ever, it's clear to them that all the balls they'd played with previously were basically cubes.
Ìý
And scientists determine that the three most annoying things a non-football fan can say to a football fan during the World Cup are, in reverse order:
3. We don't they put all the players in goal? Then no-one could score.
2. Could the referee have a green card for when a player does something really good?
1. Why are you so upset? It's only a game.
Chatting with Beckham
David Beckham is Look Away Now's special correspondent for the World Cup. He'll be helping out in any way he can - listen to his introduction here:
The new series of the topical sports comedy show Look Away Now starts Thursday 10th June at 6.30pm on Radio 4. If you miss it, don't worry - you can download it as a podcast.
Headlines by the Look Away Now writing team. Illustration by Dipak Patel.
ITV1 is forced to pull series two of Rio Ferdinand's World Cup
Wind-Ups. A spokesman admitted that the cheeky pranks of the first
series had been replaced by a series of vengeful punishment beatings,
which weren't appropriate for a mainstream audience.Fabio Capello denies that the reason Marks & Spencer's were chosen to supply the England team suits was so that the players can take them back as soon as they get knocked out.
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South African tourist board admits that its slogan "The 2010 World Cup in South Africa: Honestly, it'll be Fine" did not on reflection send out the right message.
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England players admit that after practising with the new Adidas Jabulani ball, reputedly the roundest football ever, it's clear to them that all the balls they'd played with previously were basically cubes.
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And scientists determine that the three most annoying things a non-football fan can say to a football fan during the World Cup are, in reverse order:
3. We don't they put all the players in goal? Then no-one could score.
2. Could the referee have a green card for when a player does something really good?
1. Why are you so upset? It's only a game.
Chatting with Beckham
David Beckham is Look Away Now's special correspondent for the World Cup. He'll be helping out in any way he can - listen to his introduction here:
View the full blog post to listen to audio content. In order to access this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Webwise for full instructions.
The new series of the topical sports comedy show Look Away Now starts Thursday 10th June at 6.30pm on Radio 4. If you miss it, don't worry - you can download it as a podcast.
Headlines by the Look Away Now writing team. Illustration by Dipak Patel.
Stephen's in the building
I'm so excited to have been given my own show at the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ that I can't stop telling people. I've told my friends and family; I've told strangers at the bus stop; I've told those people who keep calling trying to sell me car insurance. I even told people who came to my home to tell me about Jeremiah. I think that was his name, wasn't really listening. I had to convince my little nephew that his favourite uncle was going to be on the telly. He said "what's uncle Albert doing on television then?" I explained that it was yours truly who was about to star in his very own comedy series. He held his hand up and said "if it's not Dr Who then I'm not interested." Don't you miss the days when you could just beat kids?Cheeky nephew notwithstanding I'm truly chuffed to have an office at ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Television Centre and there's a picture of me on the door! It's a television factory of awesome proportions that is affectionately termed the doughnut by the people who work here. It's such a baffling warren of studios and offices that I think some crazy drunken monk must have designed it sometime in the middle of last century, while possibly woofing down the earliest form of a doughnut. It's impossible to find your way around and when you finally do reach your destination it's easier to stay there rather than risk getting lost again. I suppose that's why everyone works such long hours. I also have a do nut disturb sign on the door. I know, I know, somebody stop me.
My mum came to visit me the other day and she was very impressed until she saw Miranda Hart's office on the other side of the corridor. She said "So they could afford a pot plant for her and what do you get?" I showed her that I have my very own stationery cupboard, filing system and even an all day pass to get to the front of the queue at the cafeteria. That was all she needed to hear before she was down there like a shot. Three custard tarts later she looked up at me and said "I never thought I would be so proud". There was a tear in her eye - but that might have been indigestion taking hold.
The Stephen K Amos Show is currently in production.
Ashley Jensen to star in Accidental Farmer
Ashley Jensen in the Extras Christmas Special
Hot from the Press Office:
Ashley Jensen, star of Ugly Betty and Extras, is set to return to the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ in a brand new comedy called Accidental Farmer for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One. A 60 minute pilot is currently in production by ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Productions.
Erin Taylor (Jensen), is a high-powered, London-based, ad executive who has it all: the successful career, the stunning flat, the gorgeous boyfriend Mike. A control-freak who plans every aspect of her life, nothing takes Erin by surprise... until she discovers Mike in bed with a woman half her age. She wreaks revenge by abusing his credit card, buying, among other things, a run-down farm in Yorkshire. With Mike's scorn ringing in her ears, Erin decides to make a go of it. How hard can it be to run a farm? Little did she realise she'd be sharing a bed with Olive, an octogenarian sitting tenant; or fending off Clive, the inebriated handyman; or being shouted at by Judith, the horsey neighbour, or embarrassing herself in front of Matt, the dishy vet... not to mention living with a piglet. Erin hadn't imagined just how much she'd have to muck in.
Ashley Jensen said: "I am really looking forward to working in the UK again on Accidental Farmer and getting my feet dirty in a farm somewhere in Yorkshire! It's a great script and I love animals, though I have never worked with them before..."
Cheryl Taylor, Controller, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Comedy Commissioning added: "We are delighted that Ashley Jensen is taking on the role of our Accidental Farmer and very much look forward to seeing how an urban sophisticate gets to grips with country life."
The programme was commissioned by Jay Hunt, Controller ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One and Cheryl Taylor, Controller ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Comedy Commissioning. Executive Producers are Jo Sargent and John Yorke for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Productions and producer is Ellen Taylor. The writer is Daisy Coulam, and the director Mandie Fletcher.
HIGNFY: Cameron's Rubbish
The current series of Have I Got News For You has finished on TV, but the fun doesn't have to stop there. Not here on the Comedy Blog! The pictures continue...
Read on to see today's.
Read on to see today's.
Number 1 vs 4 Foot 1 - Tinchy Stryder on Jason Lewis
Uh-oh! It seems has seen Jason Lewis' spoof of his hit song Number 1. But what does Tinchy think of Jason? Here's what he said in an interview with :
We asked Jason to respond on camera to Tinchy's response. Here's Jason's response to Tinchy's response to Jason's spoof video:
From here, anything - or in the very least, something - could happen.
4 Foot 1
...and if you're oblivious to what this is all about, here's Jason's 4 Foot 1 video in full:
We asked Jason to respond on camera to Tinchy's response. Here's Jason's response to Tinchy's response to Jason's spoof video:
View the full blog post to access video content. In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions.
From here, anything - or in the very least, something - could happen.
4 Foot 1
...and if you're oblivious to what this is all about, here's Jason's 4 Foot 1 video in full:
View the full blog post to access video content. In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions.
- Watch more from Jason Lewis in Sniggers with Attitude
The Last of the Summer Wine
This is sure to come as sad news for fans across the world, but it has been announced that this summer's Last of the Summer Wine will be... the last.The press release says:
Last Of The Summer Wine is an affectionate comedy about people in the autumn of their years. Every single episode has been written by Roy Clarke OBE and produced and directed by Alan J W Bell. The series is the world's longest-running sitcom, having clocked up over 30 series as well as several Christmas specials. It debuted on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ in 1973 and over the years has featured a host of famous faces including Eric Sykes CBE, Dame Thora Hird and of course the inimitable Bill Owen as Compo Simonite. The current series still features Peter Sallis OBE as Norman Clegg alongside several other eminent cast members including Russ Abbott (Hobbo), Frank Thornton (Truly), Brian Murphy (Alvin) and Burt Kwouk (Entwistle).
Jay Hunt, Controller, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One, said: "Last Of The Summer Wine has been part of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One for nearly 40 years. This wonderful final series is a fitting farewell to these much loved characters and I am delighted some of the channel's other heritage brands will be helping to say goodbye in style."
Cheryl Taylor, Controller, Comedy Commissioning, said: "It is a testimony to the wit and warmth of the characters that Roy Clarke originally created that this amazing series has endured over several decades. The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ feels enormously privileged to have played host to its many charms for such a long time and we very much respect the affection in which it is held.
"It is very tough to have to call time on such a cherished institution but we are very sincere in our gratitude for, and admiration of Last Of The Summer Wine. It is the undisputed champion of long-running comedy series. We would like to thank Roy Clarke, Alan J W Bell and all the cast members for their wonderful achievement and for their dedication to the show."
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One will celebrate the end of the long-running series with special editions of Countryfile and Songs Of Praise which will come from Holmfirth, the village in Yorkshire where the series has been filmed since it began in 1973.
- From the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ TV Blog: Cheryl Taylor says farewell to the world's longest-running sitcom
HIGNFY: Subtle Obama
John Prescott is in the host's seat on Have I Got News For You this Thursday, so let's hope Ian and Paul behave themselves (they won't, will they).
Until then, warm up your satire-glands with our latest caption gag, straight from the HIGNFY team. Read on to see it!
Until then, warm up your satire-glands with our latest caption gag, straight from the HIGNFY team. Read on to see it!
