Elton John

Billy Connolly: It's Been A Pleasure review

Billy Connolly: It's Been A Pleasure was special, not just because of the calibre of talking head - Paul McCartney, Dustin Hoffman and Elton John don't often do this sort of thing, let's face it - but because they nearly all had something intelligent to say.

Billy Connolly: It's Been A Pleasure review

Yes, at 78, he won't be on stage and more, and yes, there were a few emotional minutes at the end where that loss was noted - with Connolly especially touched when the tributes were shown to him.

Billy Connolly: It's Been A Pleasure review

A superficial but well-made tribute to the comedy god.

If only someone had laughed at Hitler, says the Big Yin. Laughter is so powerful that if just one person had snorted while Adolf was his ranting and raving, the course of history might have changed.

Despite his age and illness, Billy Connolly is still laughing. This show celebrates the comedian by offering us a big messy mix of interviews, clips from his stand-up and chat show appearances, and favourite memories of fans from all over the world, from East Kilbride to Qatar.

We hear from celebrity fans such as Eric Idle, Judi Dench, Andy Murray, Elton John and Peter Kay, but while these jolly messages are nice, the best moments come when it's just Connolly.

He is also interviewed, and he recalls how it was impossible to walk down the street in Glasgow without everyone saying hello ... and his wee girl marvelling at how daddy knew everybody!

Radio Times review

With Zoolander 2 stars Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Penélope Cruz in the house, it's safe to say the Graham Norton sofa is really, really, ridiculously good-looking. The chat-show host will be catching up with the trio and also entertaining Jack Black, who's stopping by to talk about his new big-screen adaptation of RL Stine's classic Goosebumps books. And as if that wasn't enough, Sir Elton John is on hand to provide a tune, chatting and performing Blue Wonderful from his new album. Friday night's all right for dancing too, y'know. Go on, have a shimmy on the sofa.

When sorry does not mean sorry

Elton John (or, in many instances, Bernie Taupin) has been right about so many things. Lots of fragile, attractive women have lived their life like candles in the wind. Life is, basically, a circle. And it's pointless being a sculptor. You would be better off making potions in a travelling show.

Fringe Q&As: Goose

Goose discusses David Schwimmer, five-star reviews and Elton John.

Football-based comedies have come and gone unmourned over the years but, despite the distractingly Elton John-like appearance of hero Warren and a general "British Family Guy" air, the pedigree of the scriptwriters and actors - from Simon Nye to Morwenna Banks - ensures this one is eminently watchable. Tonight, manic Brainsford United obsessive Warren unwisely persuades his reluctant wife and child to paint their faces for a big cup tie. There's a big cheerleader initiative, too, but all comes to grief before half-time.

You might have read that Jay-Z would be one of Graham's guests tonight, but he's dropped out and his spot has been taken by Jeremy Paxman, or Jay-P as we should maybe start calling him.

Trust me, you'll scarcely notice the difference. But could Jay-Z host tonight's very special round of University Challenge?

I think not.

Graham's other guests are Dame Judi Dench, comedian John Bishop and Sir Elton John, who will be performing his new single Voyeur as well chatting about his burst appendix, the joys of fatherhood and dancing with the Queen. A typical day in Elton-land.

While Jonathan Ross had to content himself interviewing stars of an ITV show last Saturday (the X Factor judges), Norton once again lures some global, glittery names on to his sofa.

His old mate, the indefatigable Sir Elton John, will perform Voyeur and be interviewed fresh from the triumphant release of his well-received 31st studio album, The Diving Board. He'll be joined by the mighty Dame Judi Dench, whose name is already being mentioned in the same breath as "Oscar nomination" for her role in the new film Philomena, as an Irish mother searching for the child she was forced to give up for adoption. Ever reliable John Bishop will be in the comedy corner.