Frank Skinner

A new series of mock-Orwellian oratory hits Friday night, with Joan Bakewell, Roisin Conaty and Richard Osman attempting to sneak their bugbears past Room 101 bouncer Frank Skinner. Irritants in the dock of discontent tonight include customer-service surveys, greetings cards containing pre-felt emotions, and the less-heralded animals making up the numbers in zoos around the globe. Every bit as unchallenging as you'd expect from the panel-led revamp, but the game "leg-selfie or hot dog" does sweeten the pill somewhat.

The mighty Pointless fact file that is Richard Osman - all 6ft 7in of him in his size 14 shoes - reveals his distrust of shoemakers and disgruntlement with people who tell him he's tall as a new season of personal hates and bugbears checks in for business. Frank Skinner resumes his duties as arbitrary arbiter of banishing dislikes to oblivion, with broadcaster Joan Bakewell and comedian Roisin Conaty taking a pew alongside Mr Osman. Among the more contentious candidates for annihilation are gardening and Bambi. And watch out for a clip featuring a massive snake - it's a real shocker.

Radio Times review

Richard Osman of the quiz show Pointless is one of the quickest wits on TV. Fact. The guy is a giant of comedy, although actually he doesn't like people mentioning his height. Fellow panellists - writer and broadcaster Joan Bakewell and comedian Roisin Conaty - and even host Frank Skinner, don't stand a chance as he tosses bons mots and puns into the conversation with casual ease.

Of course, all the guests put forward suggestions for things to be consigned to oblivion - the pet hates tonight range from gardening to cobblers. Skinner, meanwhile, deftly choreographs the banter for maximum laughs.

However, it's Skinner himself who gets the best reaction when he tells the heart-warming story of how a little boy left his much-loved cuddly toy behind at his holiday hotel. The staff there then did something wonderful to persuade him that his toy was fine, but just extending his vacation.

Frank Skinner interview

Frank Skinner is explaining why he is prepared to wrench himself away from his girlfriend and their young son in order to play 35 dates at venues across Britain.

Opinion: Reviewing the situation - or not in this case

I've been going to comedy gigs for as long as I can remember and reviewing them for nearly as long, but last night there was a first. I was sitting in an aisle seat about eight rows back from the stage at Frank Skinner's opening show at the Leicester Square Theatre. During his set there was a tap on my shoulder. It was one of the ushers: "Please do not take notes." "Why?" I asked. "It's policy."

Review: Frank Skinner, Leicester Square Theatre

There was plenty to smile about beyond the filth - after seven years away from stand-up, Skinner's act now includes haikus and references to Plato.

Frank Skinner on stand-up comedy and getting older

Frank Skinner is about to tour as a stand-up for the first time since 2007. But don't expect Jack the Lad, he's now more man in a suit, hears Jay Richardson.

Frank Skinner - Man in a Suit review

The West Midlander often jumps to new, contrasting topics with little explanation, an approach that could do with a bit of tightening, and occasionally it's a bit too slow-moving. But Man in a Suit sees Frank Skinner on fine form: warm, chatty and self-deprecating, with plenty of droll one-liners to quote at work the next day.

Frank Skinner interview

Fatherhood has changed him, so has his radio show. But not completely ...

Frank Skinner: My family values

The comedian talks about how his MA in English literature changed him more than becoming famous, and what kind of father he hopes to be for his son.