Harry Hill

Comedy gold: Harry Hill's Hooves

He's better known as the big-collared star of TV Burp, but this versatile performer has done some quacking work on stage.

Alistair McGowan interview

Alistair McGowan on channelling Roy Hodgson, Harry Hill and Jedward for his new comedic sports show, You Cannot Be Serious!

When Harry Hill's TV Burp aired for the final time I mentioned that I hoped that ITV1 would cancel the show rather than find someone else to take over as host because it simply would not be the same. It seems ITV1 agreed. That said, instead of ressurecting TV Burp with a new host they're just ripped the entire format for this new sports satire starring Alistair McGowan.

Obviously, You Cannot Be Serious! covers different topics and has a different host, but the format is almost identical. The show begins with a Have I Got News for You style weekly round up featuring funny clips - most of the comedy comes from looking at recent TV footage (along with voice-over impressions), special guests making cameos and the show ends in a song. However, given that Harry Hill is credited as an executive producer, perhaps these similarities are not surprising. At least there's no fight in the middle, otherwise the show might have breached copyright law.

There are some unique touches, however, that make this show differ from its predecessor.

For starters, due to McGowan's impressionist abilities, he can do the voice of Adrian Chiles while interviewing himself playing Roy Hodgson on a pre-recorded segement (complete with a large false nose).

For me, though, the similarities outweigh the originality. I can understand why ITV1 wants to replicate the success of TV Burp, but I wished they could do something a bit more inspiring. The show's also fundamentally flawed. Namely, everyone who owns a TV set would have a slight interest in watching TV Burp, but not all TV viewers are keen on sport, so I would presume that audience figures may be hampered...

And finally, I've got another complaint: you know the sketch featuring Far Eastern athletes knocking into hurdles? I don't mind seeing the footage, but did they really have to call one of the athletes Lu Sing Now?

I'm not the only one a little uncomfortable, right?

Harry Hill to be David Shrigley art tour guide

Comedian Harry Hill is to act as a tour guide at a new art exhibition by David Shrigley in Manchester later this year.

Here's a bold idea; get Sarah Millican to take over Harry Hill's now-vacant chair on TV Burp. She'd be perfect, she can see all that is both fun and ridiculous about television and she's quick on her comedy feet. Though of course she'd have to tone down the saucy bits. In between a routine about her abandoned sex toys (Sex Toy Story 4) she gets her own back after being patronised by fashion designer Julien Macdonald of Britain's Next Top Model and grills a very game Robert Peston about his domestic austerity measures.

It was with a heavy heart that we said goodbye to Harry Hill on Saturday.

For years now, TV Burp has pulled off the not inconsiderable trick of being both clever and stupid - often at the same time.

Gems from this week's show included "the Audrey back-pack" and telling Alan Sugar not to jump off the roof at the opening credits of The Apprentice.

The brilliant finale saw The Knitted Character, Amanda Lamb, two Hevvs from EastEnders, and Wagbo singing Adele.

Who could ever replace him (hint, hint)?

Harry Hill's last ever TV Burp delights & saddens fans

Harry Hill fans were delighted and saddened in equal measure by the last ever episode of TV Burp.

Harry Hill: Ignore the rumours, TV Burp is finished

Harry Hill has told fans in the studio audience at the last episode of TV Burp that he definitely won't be back to make another series.

If last night's TV Burp does turn out to be the final offering from Harry Hill and the gang it's a sad day for television. Because despite Harry relying too heavily on puppets and taking some worrying forays into self-indulgent slapstick in later years, this simple truth remains: we might never see a TV show as funny as this again. Certainly not on ITV.