Michael McIntyre

Now in their 21st year, the British Comedy Awards have long served as a bellwether for the state of British comedy, from the quirky satire of the early 1990s, through the energetic sketch shows of the mid- to late-90s, to the recent success of family-friendly stand-up comics like Peter Kay, Michael McIntyre and John Bishop. Thanks to a sharp host, a ready supply of funny clips and a suitably witty audience, they've also been one of the few live awards ceremonies actually worth watching.

Tonight's event is hosted live by Jonathan Ross. Leading the nominees is Miranda Hart, who is up for four awards, while Harry Hill gets three nods. Hart, last year's Queen of Comedy winner, is up for the award again, with David Mitchell, Telegraph agony uncle Graham Norton, Jack Whitehall, Jo Brand and Sarah Millican also in the running. Tamsin Greig and Tom Rosenthal are nominated for best TV comedy actress and best comedy breakthrough artist respectively for their roles in Friday Night Dinner, while Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner have been singled out for their contribution to Outnumbered. Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville receives a nomination for his role in the Olympic comedy Twenty Twelve.

Jack Whitehall: full throttle comedy

After his success in Fresh Meat, Jack Whitehall is touring the nation. Viv Groskop asks him: 'So, are you the next Michael McIntyre or the next Russell Brand?'

Michael McIntyre best stand-up, says Digital Spy poll

Michael McIntyre has been named the best British stand-up comedian by readers of Digital Spy.

Michael McIntyre is given his own Christmas show by BBC

BBC chiefs have given Michael McIntyre his own Christmas Day show - just days after he quit ITV's ­Britain's Got Talent.

Michael McIntyre leaves Britain's Got Talent

Michael McIntyre has sensationally quit as a judge on Britain's Got Talent, The Sun can reveal.

Is Michael McIntyre Marmite, s***e or just alright?

So the comedian has jumped ship from the declining Britain's Got Talent after one series, but is he so innoffensive he's offensive? As funny as a poke in the eye with a sharp stick? Or just a comedian who plays it safe?

Sean Lock, live at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2010: the style borders on banter and isn't so different to what you'd hear down the pub with your funny-ish mate. He does the Michael McIntyre roam of the stage and has a gesture or physical description for nearly everything. The jokes are a mixed bag - the opener about needing to get out the house because of the kids is pretty pedestrian - but his routine about the fuss the "wheat intolerant" make is worth sticking around for.

I try hard to resist John Bishop; he's loud, brash, coarse and crude. But, dammit, he always gets me in the end. I don't want to laugh, but, yes, there I go. He's good at cheery observation - a dirty version of Michael McIntyre with jokes invariably ending up somewhere below the waist. Like his final, elaborate gag that centres on an involuntary male physical reaction to an extended kissing scene when he starred in Skins. His leery stand-up routine is mixed with filmed contributions from members of the public and minor celebrities, who expound on topics, including this week Awful Music and Guilty Pleasures. Bishop, at his most laconic, does an excellent hatchet-job on U2's Bono at his most sanctimonious and there are extended routines about that old chestnut, men dancing at weddings, and the joys of taping music from the radio as a kid.

Heard the one about comics who hate Michael McIntyre?

At this very moment, Michael McIntyre is Britain's most successful and popular comedian. Without question, he is the number one funny guy out there. Everyone loves Michael. Or, as we shall see, nearly everyone loves him.

Stewart Lee patches up differences with McIntyre

Stewart Lee, the comedian who appeared to have offended rival comic Michael McIntyre has moved to patch up differences with his fellow performer.