David Walliams

The BBC deserve an ambivalent shrug for The Rob Brydon Show, which is, at best, objectively "alright". Faint praise is the dullest weapon in the critic's armory, but it's all this lighthearted chat show deserves.

Last time Brydon presented something in this vein he was in character as hapless cuckold Keith Barrett of Marion and Geoff renown. This time he's being himself, the likeable, witty, waspish Welshman whose eagerness to please is as endearing as it is occasionally overbearing - during his opening "banter with the audience" segment, I thought his unfunny Pingu impression was never going to end.

There is, to its credit, something pleasingly old-fashioned about the programme's format. Oddly, what it reminded me of most was - pace Wogan and Harty - Knowing Me Knowing You with Alan Partridge, starring Steve Coogan. But whereas that was a parody of traditional chatter-tainment, this is the real, undemanding deal.

So, a few gags, a sycophantic chat with a showbiz chum - David Walliams doing his lazy faux-camp schtick - a self-indulgent duet with a musical hero - Tom Jones - and a showcase for an up-and-coming comic - Tom Deacon, a nondescript child. And, inevitably, as many impressions as Brydon can cram in. If Jones' involvement was anything to go by, expect future guests to include others the host can "do". Ronnie Corbett is probably ironing his cravat as we speak.

No hiding behind fourth wall-busting quiz-coms this time round. To paraphrase Mike Yarwood, this is him - or at least the mildly neurotic, passive-aggressive persona Brydon often adopts, before an audience probably more familiar with him via Gavin & Stacey than, say, A Cock And Bull Story. But can he carry off an entire chatshow on his own? Hard to say: as guest "Dame David Walliams" silkily bitches at one point, "Is it meant to be a comedy show?" "In an ideal world," comes the half-joking retort. But this may yet find its legs.

A long overdue solo vehicle for the likeable Rob Brydon - one of our finest comedy actors (see his scene-stealing turns in Gavin & Stacey and supporting roles for the likes of Steve Coogan and Julia Davis), and also a gifted stand-up and impressionist (the latter of which he demonstrated hilariously in the 2005 film A Cock and Bull Story). The format is knowingly cheesy, with Brydon chatting in matey style to his main guest, before breaking off for a short set by a comedian and interlude from a musician - with whom the host is invariably tempted to join in.

Chat shows stand or fall by the quality of their guests and tonight's are top-drawer. Main conversationalist is "Dame" David Walliams, who discusses his marriage to model Lara Stone and obsession with James Bond, then reads from his recent children's book. Walliams also answer questions from Twitter users (token nod to being modern, there) and the studio audience - which sweetly includes his mother. The musical guest is Sir Tom Jones, who performs a song from his acclaimed gospel album Praise & Blame. The only weak link is the set by young stand-up Tom Deacon, but it would be churlish to complain about Brydon championing a rising comedian each week. At times this opening show has the slight awkwardness of a first date, but all in all, it's a comfortingly cosy and entertaining half-hour.

Actor, stand-up comedian, panel show host, singer, impressionist - with a CV like that, why would Rob Brydon want to add "chat show host"? Plenty of good prospects have fallen at the chat hurdle on BBC2, from Jeremy Clarkson to Danny Baker, but Brydon perhaps has one advantage. In 2004 he hosted a spoof chat show as his alter ego, the slightly hopeless Keith Barret, discussing relationships with celebrity couples. Tonight we'll find out if he can carry off the trick without having his tongue in his cheek. His guests include an old friend, David Walliams, and a hero - Tom Jones.

A quick survey of TV Towers revealed that Rob Brydon can do no wrong - even if he took a lawn mower for a drive through a convalesence centre for lame chicks. From the brilliant Marion and Geoff to his turn as Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey, Rob's been nothing less than sublime, and so we're jolly pleased he's been given his own chat show. In this first episode his guests are David Walliams, Sir Tom Jones and rising comedian Tom Deacon, all of whom look as if they're having loads of fun. In no time, you'll be struggling to remember that Jonathan bloke who used to host a chat show on a Friday night...

David Walliams up for Roald Dahl award

Little Britain star David Walliams has been shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize for a second year running.

Rob Brydon's got his own chat show! What's it like? Well, after a cringeworthy opening intro, not too bad - 'Dame' David Walliams gives good value banter, promising young stand-up Tom Deacon does a entertaining short set, plus Tom Jones joins Brydon to duet on a couple of rock songs. All very chummy.

Here's a fun game to play while watching Rob Brydon's new chat and variety show featuring David Walliams and Tom Jones - impression bingo! Tick them off as he does them to win a fabulous prize! Ronnie Corbett, Terry Wogan, Alec Guinness and, best of all, Tiny Man In A Box. Got them all? You win! Your prize is that you have just watched Rob Brydon's new chat and variety show featuring David Walliams and Tom Jones. And if you watched it after the new Paul O'Grady chat and variety show, may God have mercy on your soul.

Matt Lucas blacks up - nobody hurt

Interesting to see the first picture just released from the new Matt Lucas/David Walliams BBC sitcom Come Fly With Me. The comedy is set in an airport with the duo playing various colourful characters. And colour may be the key word here.

As series three began, Little Britain had become huge; the air was thick with its catchphrases ("I'm a laydee", "I'm the only gay in the village") and the transfer of Matt Lucas and David Walliams's sketch show from BBC2 to BBC1 guaranteed a whole new, bigger audience. But then the arguments began: was it cutting edge, or just coarse? Some viewers didn't see the funny side of new characters such as Mrs Emery, an incontinent old lady. Make up your own minds as BBC3 starts a re-run. All the old favourites are here, from monstrous Marjorie Dawes to Vicky "yeah but, no but" Pollard.