BCG Daily Friday 12th September 2014

Obituary: Donald Sinden

Renowned for his rich, booming voice and commanding presence, Sir Donald Sinden, who has died aged 90 after a long illness, was a star of stage, television and radio for seven decades.

Bread's Giles Watling stands for Tories in by-election

An actor best-known for sitcom Bread has been chosen as the Conservative candidate in the Clacton by-election.

Radio Times review

Host Rob Brydon and team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack return for series eight of the jolly panel show that tests the fibbing skills of celebrity teams. In this opening episode Micky Flanagan is the sole comedian guest, alongside TV presenters (of one form or other) Fiona Bruce, Claudia Winkleman and Steve Jones.

Did Flanagan liven up a hen do by taking his clothes off? Does Fiona Bruce dream about monkeys? And did Steve Jones once save rapper P Diddy's life? It may be inspired by elements from other panel shows (Call My Bluff and the mystery guest element from They Think It's All Over being the most obvious), but thanks in large part to the wit and repartee of the three regulars, the fun is infectious.

Radio Times review

Greybridge School's embarrassing Parent Teacher Consultation Night is something all the staff would like cancelled... especially as it's held on the same night as Bake Off. Even head teacher Ms Baron (Frances de la Tour) hates the occasion, although her hilarious description of what she'd rather do is too disgusting to repeat here.

However, PE teacher Mr Gunn (Philip Glenister) is anxious about it for a very personal reason. He believes he is the father of a boy he teaches at the school. "Oooh, it's better than an episode of Waterloo Road," squeaks the comely Miss Postern (Catherine Tate) when he confides in her. She's right - it's much, much better than that.

Radio Times review

If, like Maureen, you're preparing to pack your elderly mother off to a residential home, you may get a little comfort from this. "You hear lots of stories about neglect - residents lying in soiled bedding, abuse and so on - but you mustn't think you are sentencing your mother to spending her last years in a living hell" - pause - "because you almost certainly aren't."

At times Boomers gets horribly close to the uncomfortable truth. But it's one that's dressed up in well-mannered, well-meaning concern. Meanwhile Maureen's sister is getting frisky with the menfolk so John is persuaded to speak up against what they feel is sexual harassment.

Radio Times review

Hugh Dennis and Steve Punt are the perfect hosts for this satirical minefield of a series. They have done it long enough to know when they are teetering on the edge of a brilliant gag or crossing the line into the darkest areas of BBC Compliance.

But they also have a crack production team to thank for this show's success -- it's recorded on a Thursday evening, editing starts at 9am on Friday and it's ready for broadcast at 6.30pm. And it is also a producer I have to thank for informing me that Hugh Dennis is only absent from this first show and back for programme two.

This week's new live comedy

Previews of Celia Pacquola, Henning Wehn and Robert Newman.

Andy Zaltzman on the Scottish referendum

As Scotland votes aye or nae to independence, the satirical stand-up and co-host of topical podcast The Bugle attempts to explain the situation to his son.

Review: Ha Ha Hood and the Prince of Leaves

Ha Ha Hood and The Prince of Leaves is a very funny show. I for one hope the team return to The Lyceum, they'd be welcomed back.

Michael Palin remembers dressing up as Gumbys

The writer and Monty Python star recalls granting an unusual request in 1996.

Bad Education preview

When asked at the screening what his favourite scene has been, Jack Whitehall hinted that this may be the final ever series of Bad Education - "It's basically the last scene of the series when Alfie says goodbye to the kids."

Bad Bridesmaid: It's cringing but hilarious!

ITV2 might just have a hit on their hands with Bad Bridesmaid.

Bad Bridesmaid, TV review

There was some amusement to be had in watching the other hens progress from nervous giggles to outright hostility, but the behaviour of Francesca (aka comedian Anna Morris) was never outrageous enough to really entertain.

Hal Cruttenden on the problem with holidays

With the threat of air disasters, shark attacks and the many perils of the pedalo cruise, travelling with the family is one of the most stressful things you can do.

15 shows about the Scottish independence referendum

Need help deciding? Let the worlds of art, theatre, comedy, books and music lend a hand.

Dawn French interview

Dawn French talks about her new marriage.

Meet the contestants: Heat One - Edinburgh, 2014

Here's some extra information about our first competitors from the 2014 contest.