Press clippings Page 29
It's an unnerving combination - imagine waking up to it after jetlag, or a snooze on the sofa - but the mash-up between the irreverent panel show and the venerable quiz has been popular enough for Channel 4 to have a new batch made.
As long as Jimmy Carr is in the host's chair, he'll dominate the fight for the Countdown teapot, while the teams stretch themselves by trying to do the jokes and get a decent word at the same time; you don't get to be a TV comedian without a competitive streak. Tonight Sean Lock has Jason Manford on his side, while Jon Richardson forms a loose allegiance with Rhod Gilbert.
Emma Sturgess, Radio Times, 26th July 2013Jason Manford - review
The quality isn't always high: the first half is scrappy, and there's much generic mockery of local towns, as well as duff gags like the one about his brother's reaction to Manford's hypochondria. But at its best, this is expert observational comedy, ensuring that, if the heart sinks at another everyday situation that's been joked about a hundred times before, it'll soar soon at some bright new Manford-patented detail.
Brian Logan, The Guardian, 22nd July 2013Jason Manford interview
His stand-up act is unapologetically mainstream, but Jason Manford never forgets his struggle to escape Manchester's Triangle of Death or what the price of a ticket to one of his arena gigs might buy.
Claire Black, The Scotsman, 6th July 2013Jason Manford lined up for Doncaster Comedy Festival
Television favourite Jason Manford is to top the bill at the 2014 Doncaster Comedy Festival.
The Sheffield Star, 2nd June 2013Would I Lie To You? is a BBC One panel show originally hosted by Angus Deayton and now hosted by Rob Brydon. The point of the show is to lie to or fool your opposing team into believing what you are telling them is the truth. Successfully deceive your opposition and get some points. Simple, yet affective. Joining Rob Brydon as regular Team Captains are the wonderful David Mitchel and Lee Mack. Guests on this episode are Jason Manford, Paul Hollywood, Warwick Davis and Joan Bakewell.
This, as a celebrity panel show, couldn't really be much different from a show like Celebrity Juice if it tried; WILTY is about quick thinking and wit. 5 minutes in and I haven't heard a single muff joke. It's a great show and one I don't watch as much as I probably should. It is entertaining, likeable and unique. The players are all pitch perfect; great chemistry and natural comedians. There is lots of great comedy which manifests itself organically within the show.
Shaun Spencer, Giggle Beats, 20th May 2013Jason Manford and wife call time on 6 year marriage
Jason Manford and his wife of six years have split up, it emerged last night. The TV favourite, 31, married actress Catherine in 2007 and the pair have three young daughters together. A source said the couple broke up last year and have remained good friends.
The Mirror, 3rd May 2013Jason Manford called up for panel show despite scandals
Sex shame comic Jason Manford starts filming his new Sky 1 panel show today - despite his latest scandal.
The Sun, 14th March 2013Jason Manford cancels TV appearance after scandals
Controversial comic Jason Manford pulled out of an appearance on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch yesterday - just days after The Sun revealed his online sex sessions.
The Sun, 4th March 2013Comedy club part-owned by Jason Manford in cash crisis
Shamed TV joker Jason Manford is involved in a cash crisis at his co-owned comedy club.
Stephen Moyes, The Sun, 3rd March 2013Jason Manford photographed with hand down his trousers
Seedy comic Jason Manford gets to grips with his sex shame - as he puts his hand down his trousers.
Richard Moriarty, The Sun, 1st March 2013