Alan Davies

Pull a cracker for a festive QI with Phill Jupitus, Alan Davies, Danny Baker and RT's Sarah Millican. They are a ribald bunch, leading ringmaster Stephen Fry, resplendent in a luxuriant Santa outfit, to wail: "We have started our family Christmas show just as I'd hoped we would."

Everyone is on fine form and there are some good gags, including one from Fry about Freudians and a light bulb. And we learn why it is always Christmas in Millican's spare bedroom.

The derivation of advertising jingles is just one of the 'quite interesting' facts relayed by jovial host Stephen Fry, today in Father Christmas costume for the QI festive special. Other topics include Twelfth Night - not necessarily on January 6, according to Alan Davies's calculations - and jesus lizards. It's an enjoyable episode, with fun comic diversions including a rant about 'shiny children' that Phill Jupitus cannily uses to deflect from Fry's rather awkward question to Sarah Millican on the subject of kids. Millican may be a popular stand-up, but she's given little chance to shine here, mostly laughing very loudly at the chaps' banter. Danny Baker, meanwhile, gets to show off his obscure knowledge. It's entertaining, but not as much as, say, the 2010 Christmas special, where guest Daniel Radcliffe was used to better effect.

Christmas 2012: the QI Christmas quiz

Time for the seasonal quiz from the brains behind QI, the popular BBC1 show featuring Stephen Fry and Alan Davies.

With previous Christmas editions of this quiz focusing on esoteric topics such as "Empire" and "Hocus Pocus", tonight's theme of "Jingle Bells" chimes (pun intended) with the season and sounds altogether merrier. Host Stephen Fry is joined for the ninth yuletide episode by regular panellist Alan Davies and guests Geordie comedian Sarah Millican, broadcaster Phill Jupitus and radio presenter Danny Baker.

Comedy in 2012: review of the year

Veronica Lee rounds up 2012 in comedy and reveals her highlights of the year. Highlights include Mark Thomas, Alan Davies and Susan Calman.

Alan Davies apologises over Lord McAlpine tweet

Comedian Alan Davies has apologised to Lord McAlpine for naming him in relation to false allegations about abuse at a children's home.

Alan Davies 'could be sued' over Lord McAlpine tweets

Alan Davies, the British comedian, could face legal action after mentioning false sex abuse allegations against Lord McAlpine on Twitter, it has emerged.

Alan Davies interview

Alan Davies, 46, has returned to stand-up after a stint as a panellist on QI, but the comedian tells Metro the BBC does have plans to revive Jonathan Creek - albeit on a meagre budget.

Comedy review: Alan Davies - Life is Pain

A recent stranger to the stand-up stage, Alan Davies has returned from his decade-long sabbatical with new gig Life is Pain. Our favourite QI star was met by the whistles and wails of delighted fans as he sauntered onto the Hackney Empire's stage last night. He did not disappoint.

Review - Alan Davies, Life is Pain

Pete Kelly reviews Alan Davies's first stand-up show in a decade, which perhaps should instead be called Life is a Pain.