Frankie Boyle

Jonathan Ross and Frankie Boyle sign up for comic strip

Controversial comedian Frankie Boyle and presenter Jonathan Ross are writing comic strips for a new magazine from the creator of the Kick-Ass movie.

The rise of the squealing, scampering pup has been phenomenal. His 2008 Live & Laughing tour, from which this show was plucked, spawned the fastest-selling DVD ever for a stand-up (or in his case, a roam-around). It probably won't whet your appetite to scan his list of topics: traffic, wake-up calls, limp handshakes... but the kinetic comic is a master at latching onto detail that chimes with the audience. Michael McIntyre may be the yin to Frankie Boyle's yang, but his vast following makes him a very big yin indeed. Billy Connolly, beware.

Frankie Boyle criticises 'cowardly' BBC for Israel joke

BBC apologised for joke in which comedian compared Palestine to a cake being 'punched to pieces by a very angry Jew'.

BBC Trust apologises for Frankie Boyle 'angry Jew' joke

Standards committee of corporation's governing body upholds finding that remark offensive, but calls for no further action.

My disability is not a joke

Last week, comedian Frankie Boyle caused a furore when he joked about Down's Syndrome; he was challenged by the mother of a child with Down's. Here, one woman shares her experience of being the butt of jokes about her disability.

This update of Channel 4's 2007 poll of the 100 greatest stand-ups should include some of the new comedy stars who have risen to fame since. It's unlikely that Frankie Boyle, Russell Howard or Michael McIntyre will have shot straight in at No1, but four hours of watching skits from some of the nation's funniest people remains an undiluted pleasure.

This update of Channel 4's 2007 poll of the 100 greatest stand-ups should include some of the new comedy stars who have risen to fame since. It's unlikely that Frankie Boyle, Russell Howard or Michael McIntyre will have shot straight in at No1, but four hours of watching skits from some of the nation's funniest people remains an undiluted pleasure.

Can you define offensive comedy?

As Frankie Boyle's Down's Syndrome skit lands him in hot water, it's time for us to draw a line between humour that works and humour that hurts.

The Down's Syndrome Association has issued a statement regarding comedian Frankie Boyle's controversial new show.

Do I detect a slightly more relaxed and free-handed atmosphere now Frankie Boyle's not around to dominate proceedings? Mock The Week still can't match 8 Out Of 10 Cats' jovial atmosphere, but it's certainly getting there. The guests all got a chance to shine, which was the main thing. Chris Addison (best known for his role in political satire The Thick Of It, but also a stand-up comedian) got a few big laughs (mainly with his suggestion that we counter a tidal wave created by the Chinese jumping simultaneously with a similar wave borne of the UK's obese children), and stand-up comedians Sarah Millican and John Bishop both made enough of an impression to prevent total domination by the regulars.

But I'm still disappointed MTW even has so many "regulars" - because what's wrong with the traditional two team captains format? It just feel unbalanced and, frankly, I've grown tired of Hugh Dennis and Andy Parsons' shtick. And it still irritates me when the stand-up round features topics designed to give the guests the opportunity to reuse their stand-up routines (I mean, "Language"? The broadness of "Politics"?), but otherwise this was a fun episode - if still something you'll have forgotten about by ten o'clock.