News Snippets

We've been a bit busy over the last couple of days. Here's a catch-up of some of the comedy stories that have been in the headlines so far this week...

ITV have signed an exclusive three-year golden handcuffs deal with Sir David Jason. The contract, which starts this October, will no doubt result in more comedy drama series for the former Only Fools and Horses star. Michael Grade said: "David is without doubt the UK's most popular and best loved actor and our viewers want to see more of him on ITV. Over the years we have built a terrific relationship with him and I believe that together we can keep creating his best work."

Ricky Gervais has discussed his decision not to have children and his relationship with his long-standing partner (TV producer Jane Fallon whom he has been with since 1984) on Desert Island Discs. He told the Radio 4 programme: "It is a conscious decision we have taken. It's just those first 16 years. And they don't give you anything back. Babies are scroungers."

The C4 prank show Balls Of Steel is unlikely to transfer to America after all. Producers of the USA pilots have put the project on ice after discovered how much it would cost to insure the show. The British version of Balls of Steel is best known for squirting Tom Cruise with a fake microphone.

DJs Smashie and Nicey will be returning to the airwaves to help Radio 2 celebrate its 40th birthday. The characters, played by Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse, were last seen at the Amnesty show in 2001. Radio 2 controller Lesley Douglas told MediaGuardian that the station will also be broadcasting a Kenny Everett show to mark its anniversary.

Jon Plowman, the head of BBC comedy, has announced that he is quitting the corporation after 27 years (13 of which was as an executive) to 'return to the coalface as a freelance producer'. Plowman's executive credits include The Office, Little Britain and The Vicar of Dibley.