Eddie Izzard

A welcome new addition to the Friday night schedules - some real comedy in among the chat shows masquerading as such. Pitched at the post-pub crowd it's an archive show in which some of today's comics celebrate the great TV moments that inspired them to pursue a career in stand-up, or simply left them doubled over helpless with laughter and admiration.

Jack Dee is up first, recalling the impact that Billy Connolly's debut appearance on Parkinson - when the Big Yin told the infamous bum joke that turned him into a comedy superstar overnight - had on his teenage self back in 1975. Among those piling in to concur, and recall what an enormous influence Connolly was, are Jon Culshaw, Dara O'Briain, Alan Carr and Jo Brand. Then, before it all gets too indulgent, Brand recalls her own favourite - a groundbreaking 1988 sketch from French and Saunders in which the duo play dirty old men watching a beauty pageant. Again, there's praise from the likes of Alan Carr, Joan Rivers, Andi Osho and - a touch bizarrely - Paddy McGuinness, before moving on to the next (Rhod Gilbert on Eddie Izzard's surreal "learning French" routine), and finishing with hymns to Max Miller and Les Dawson. In truth, the old doesn't always mix with the new, and the insights aren't always scintillating, but it's a chance to enjoy again some hilarious moments, and to discover some past flights of genius that may have passed you by.

Eddie Izzard at the Hollywood Bowl

On July 20, this British European who thinks like an American will be the first stand-up comedian ever to commandeer the Hollywood Bowl.

Video - Eddie Izzard: on learning French

The comedian explains how to get phrases like 'the mouse is underneath the table' into French conversation.

Izzard confirms future political career

Funnyman Eddie Izzard has vowed to pursue a career in politics by standing as a candidate for the position of London Mayor in 2020.

Eddie Izzard enters the United States of Tara

Eddie Izzard alert! From Dreamworks Television and Executive Producer, Steven Spielberg, the third season of Showtime's dark comedy, United States of Tara, kicks off beginning tonight, Monday, March 28 at 10:30pm ET.

Eddie Izzard Will Be Heard In Cars 2

Pixar and Disney have been drip-feeding the names of the voice talents who will be bringing new characters to life in the Cars world for Cars 2. And, somewhat fittingly (given that the movie's real success has been in merchandising), the companies used the New York Toy Fair as a venue to announce that Eddie Izzard and John Turturro are also adding their voice boxes to the film.

Believe: The Eddie Izzard Story: Review

The iconic stand up comic is portrayed candidly in this unmissable film.

It's been an extraordinary 18 months for Eddie Izzard, what with all that running about, and the series Marathon Man which captured it all brilliantly. Believe takes it back to the start, looking at his rise to fame, through interviews with his nearest and dearest and the kind of embarrassing old video footage that he'd rather forget, particularly that of his days as a unicycling street performer.

Eddie Izzard: straight but not linear

He's a transvestite, heterosexual standup comic and actor who ran 43 marathons in 51 days - as a new DVD documentary makes clear, Eddie Izzard's life has been far from predictable.

Ooh la la! Funny man Izzard has plans to invade France

Eddie Izzard is to decamp to France. The comedian known for his surreal skits and slinky skirts is to move to Paris for three months from next April to perform a one-man show in French. Izzard said the project reflected his support for greater European unity.