Alan Davies

This three-part documentary series, narrated by journalist Eddie Mair, looks at the 'darker', money-making side of the comedy world.

The first episode looks at how many comics, in particular stand-ups, make money by performing at corporates. It shows performances from The Real Variety Show where comics play in front of business people keen on booking them for events.

Then it follows the world of adverts, discussing comics like Mark Arden and Stephen Frost (who did ads for Carling Black Label) to QI creator John Lloyd (who first met Alan Davies when Lloyd directed ads for Abbey National.) I know there's a history of comics doing adverts - despite the public outrage at Mark Watson a few years back - but I was suprised at the frequency of appearances. Most of the ads were produced 'before my time' as it were, so were quite shocking in a way. Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie advertising tobacco?

It's definitely a growing trend, though; if you're feeling bored, you can play a little game where you try to spot how many times in a three-minute period you can hear the voice of Hugh Dennis.

Off all the people on Funny Business, though, the most interesting was Rhod Gilbert. Rhod explained how one corporate gig resulted in him sacking them off altogether, and how he justified doing adverts for the Welsh tourist board because he was promoting a country rather than a product. There were also interesting contributions from Mark Thomas, who attacked just about any involvement of comedians and advertising. The only advertising I can think that he has been involved in was with early episodes of The Mark Thomas Comedy Product, which were sponsored by small independent shops - like a gentlemen's hairdressers and a record shop.

Funny Business declares that the problem with advertising is that there's no funny ads. I can't help but think the problem's that there are ads to start with.

Alan Davies interview

The Jonathan Creek actor on why comedians have become the new fall guys - and why he's returning to standup.

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.