Michael Palin

Radio Times review

In a year when a celeb seemed to pop off every week, some losses were keener than others. Rik Mayall was 56 when he died suddenly in June: nowhere near retirement, as evidenced by his TV comeback last year in Man Down. That show's bereft creator, Greg Davies, contributes to this documentary, as do Michael Palin, Lenny Henry, Ben Elton, Alexei Sayle, Tim McInnerny and Ruby Wax.

The rare footage here should illustrate how Mayall justified the over-used phrase "force of nature". He was like a child eternally refusing to grow up. That's why it was so shocking when he turned out not to be unstoppable after all.

A panel of top-drawer celebrities, including Richard Ayoade, David Mitchell, Mel B, Micky Flanagan, Sarah Millican and Kevin Bridges are grilled by Jimmy Carr to see which of them has retained the most knowledge of 2014. To win the crown, they'll need to recall who purred down the phone in September, why Bono issued a worldwide apology in October, and what sporting event was the most-tweeted-about ever in July. Providing assistance are a host of varyingly beloved celebs including Michael Palin, Rio Ferdinand and Lily Allen.

Plaque for Monty Python star Graham Chapman

A plaque has been unveiled at Monty Python star Graham Chapman's childhood home by Michael Palin.

Michael Palin on dramatic acting, travelling and ageing

"To be honest, it seems to me my life is much more enjoyable, certainly better organised, now than it was when I was young"

Michael Palin on performing in a drama

The Monty Python star hasn't appeared in a TV drama role since GBH more than two decades ago but says he couldn't turn down the BBC's chilling new series.

Radio Times review

After the summer reunion rekindled interest in all things Pythonic, Gold has now enticed celebs into choosing their favourite sketches for a nightly five-part series. Tonight, Tracey Ullman plumps for the Montys in drag rolling about in mud on a hillside (Batley Townswomen's Guild Presents the Battle of Pearl Harbor), while Noel Fielding celebrates the genius of one joke repeated, in The Kilimanjaro Expedition.

Jim Carrey, meanwhile, prostrates himself before the Pythons, or as he calls them the "Super Justice League of comedy", and recalls the effect on him of Ernest Scribbler: Michael Palin's man who laughs himself to death. You'll see why immediately: Palin's performance is uncannily Carreyesque.

Tomorrow night, wordsmith Stephen Fry selects Argument Clinic (oh yes he does) and there's more cross-dressing: Hell's Grannies, chosen by Eddie Izzard.

Michael Palin remembers dressing up as Gumbys

The writer and Monty Python star recalls granting an unusual request in 1996.

Michael Palin: Travelling to Work review

Hot on the heels of Monty Python at the O2, Palin's latest offering is mildly amusing but his bricolage offers no surprises.

Michael Palin interview

As Michael Palin prepares to perform in Glasgow as part of his first-ever solo stage tour, he talks to HeraldScotland about his diaries, Python days and why Edinburgh and Glasgow hold a special place in his heart.