Amir Khan

Review: Blankety Blank

Bradley Walsh is a class act as iconic gameshow returns.

The blanket critical disdain heaped upon Brendan O'Carroll's Irish matriarch can feel a little lazy. So, to bend over backwards, this format, in which guests subject themselves to Agnes's lewd provocations, is the character's best delivery mechanism. Tonight, Amir Khan, Danny Dyer and Kate Humble pay a visit.

You wouldn't guess that The Security Man (ITV) was written by Caroline Aherne (along with Jeff Pope). It has neither the acerbic wit of Mrs Merton, nor the look-in-the-mirror recognition and realism of The Royle Family. Instead, it's a jolly caper. Three security men are caught (literally) off-guard when they abandon their posts to watch the Amir Khan fight, and the jewellers in the mall they're supposed to be guarding is robbed. With the help of a techie nephew and some very amateur dramatics, they mock up CCTV footage of them being a bit more heroic. It's silly, and rather nice, in a comforting, old-fashioned kind of way. I enjoyed the synchronised-mobility-scooter-to-music routines. Is that really Bobby Ball (as in Cannon and ...)? It is.

Many a panel show flags in middle age, but this one remains in rude health as it returns for a 12th series of comedy based on statistics and polls. Our rudimentary survey shows the most laughs come from the quips of host Jimmy Carr, who's as sharp as his tailored suits, and team captain Sean Lock, who veers between irreverent rants on life and taking pot shots at the guests. Braving his ridicule tonight are IT Crowd actor Richard Ayoade and boxer Amir Khan.

Amir Khan & Richard Ayoade on 12th 8 Out of 10 Cats

Popular comedy panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats returns to Channel 4 Friday 23rd September for 11 brand new shows including the 100th episode of the series.