David Walliams

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.

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.

Lucas and Walliams in Come Fly With Me - first picture

Here it is - the first picture from Matt Lucas and David Walliams' new comedy show, Come Fly With Me! The show starts later this year... watch this space for more news.

David Walliams has revealed some of the secrets of his and Matt Lucas' new airport-based comedy. He said that one of the characters will be a "trolley dolly with really buck teeth."

The project, Come Fly with Me, will be a spoof of docusoaps like Airport and Airline. But David said it will have all new characters and won't recycle favourites from Little Britain.

The show is due to be aired on BBC1 this Christmas.

David Walliams' wife Lara Stone sues Playboy

Model Lara Stone, who married comedian David Walliams in May, has announced she is taking legal action against the French edition of Playboy magazine.

Walliams among winners for first People's Book Prize

David Walliams was among the winners of the inaugural People's Book Prize, which took place at London's Stationers Hall yesterday (21st July).

David Walliams and new wife Lara cuddle up in St Tropez

David Walliams and his wife of two months put on a very public display of affection as they holidayed in the sunshine of the South of France.

David Walliams narrates a history of disability on TV. It's a slightly directionless tour around the archives from the Spastics Society appeal of the 1960s via Joey Deacon's appearance on Blue Peter to Roy's hysterical abuse of a disabled toilet in The IT Crowd. There are even segments on Heather Mills and Big Brother, although the one about Mills mercifully shows no actual footage of her. Interviewees trying not to say the wrong thing include Mat Fraser, Stephen Merchant, Dom Joly, Ash Atalla and Francesca Martinez.