Norman Wisdom

One doesn't expect a sitcom at this time of year to revolve around a plot to assassinate the Queen, especially one starring Sir David of Del Boy. But The Royal Bodyguard - which marks his return to BBC comedy after several austere years on t'other side - does just that, albeit in the most inoffensively silly way.

His titular security ace is a Clouseau-esque incompetent utterly convinced of his superior prowess; hardly an original creation, but Jason plays him with his usual aplomb. And you get the sense that he's really enjoying playing comedy again. But at 71, watching him take constant pratfalls - despite the understandable use of doubles at times - can be more worrying than funny: the latterday Norman Wisdom effect.

But I can't deny the appeal of this cheerfully basic slapstick farce from the writers behind The Worst Week of My Life, which exists purely to make its audience laugh and nothing more. Its very predictability is part of the gag, although it remains to be seen whether it can sustain over a series.

Incidentally, the only thing he doesn't fall through in episode one is a bar-hatch. But there's still time yet. Come on, Dave, just for old time's sake.

Sir Norman Wisdom to be honoured by comedy festival

Friends of Sir Norman Wisdom are to pay tribute in an official memorial show at next year's Leicester Comedy Festival.

Hundreds line streets for funeral of Sir Norman Wisdom

Hundreds of people have lined the streets of Douglas to say farewell to comedian Sir Norman Wisdom.

Son reveals Sir Norman Wisdom didn't want grand funeral

Sir Norman Wisdom was laid to rest today, but his son said the grand send-off was not quite what the comic legend had expected. Nicholas Wisdom said his father was speaking to his wife about funeral arrangements a few years ago when he said: "Just chuck me off the end of the pier."

Leading a life of laughter

A last-minute schedule change to fit in a timely celebration of the life of the late and much-loved comic British actor Norman Wisdom, who died aged 95 after succumbing to dementia.

Norman Wisdom: A fond Farewell to the fall guy

Roger Lewis pays tribute to Norman Wisdom, whose physical comedy provided a last link with the music hall era - and earned him hero status in Albania.

'Wikipedia vandals' strike again in Norman Wisdom obits

The nefarious influence of Wikipedia (part 37). Several obituaries of the late, great Sir Norman Wisdom today included the claim that he co-wrote the lyrics to Dame Vera Lynn's wartime hit, (They'll be Bluebirds Over) the White Cliffs of Dover. Alas he did no such thing.

How slapstick stayed the course

The death of Norman Wisdom has brought the art of physical comedy back into the spotlight.

Norman Wisdom - Clown Prince of Knockabout Comedy

The death of Norman Wisdom means that we have lost another link with comedy history.

Sir Norman Wisdom called 'comic genius' in tributes

Long-time friends and colleagues of Sir Norman Wisdom have paid tribute to the late actor, who has died aged 95.