Rob Brydon

Interview: Rob Brydon unveils his new chat show

The comedian has just finished a run of his panel show Would I Lie To You?, started his own talk show, The Rob Brydon Show, and he's got The Trip, a new comedy with buddy Steve Coogan, in the pipeline.

A long overdue solo vehicle for the likeable Rob Brydon - one of our finest comedy actors (see his scene-stealing turns in Gavin & Stacey and supporting roles for the likes of Steve Coogan and Julia Davis), and also a gifted stand-up and impressionist (the latter of which he demonstrated hilariously in the 2005 film A Cock and Bull Story). The format is knowingly cheesy, with Brydon chatting in matey style to his main guest, before breaking off for a short set by a comedian and interlude from a musician - with whom the host is invariably tempted to join in.

Chat shows stand or fall by the quality of their guests and tonight's are top-drawer. Main conversationalist is "Dame" David Walliams, who discusses his marriage to model Lara Stone and obsession with James Bond, then reads from his recent children's book. Walliams also answer questions from Twitter users (token nod to being modern, there) and the studio audience - which sweetly includes his mother. The musical guest is Sir Tom Jones, who performs a song from his acclaimed gospel album Praise & Blame. The only weak link is the set by young stand-up Tom Deacon, but it would be churlish to complain about Brydon championing a rising comedian each week. At times this opening show has the slight awkwardness of a first date, but all in all, it's a comfortingly cosy and entertaining half-hour.

Actor, stand-up comedian, panel show host, singer, impressionist - with a CV like that, why would Rob Brydon want to add "chat show host"? Plenty of good prospects have fallen at the chat hurdle on BBC2, from Jeremy Clarkson to Danny Baker, but Brydon perhaps has one advantage. In 2004 he hosted a spoof chat show as his alter ego, the slightly hopeless Keith Barret, discussing relationships with celebrity couples. Tonight we'll find out if he can carry off the trick without having his tongue in his cheek. His guests include an old friend, David Walliams, and a hero - Tom Jones.

A quick survey of TV Towers revealed that Rob Brydon can do no wrong - even if he took a lawn mower for a drive through a convalesence centre for lame chicks. From the brilliant Marion and Geoff to his turn as Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey, Rob's been nothing less than sublime, and so we're jolly pleased he's been given his own chat show. In this first episode his guests are David Walliams, Sir Tom Jones and rising comedian Tom Deacon, all of whom look as if they're having loads of fun. In no time, you'll be struggling to remember that Jonathan bloke who used to host a chat show on a Friday night...

Rob Brydon's got his own chat show! What's it like? Well, after a cringeworthy opening intro, not too bad - 'Dame' David Walliams gives good value banter, promising young stand-up Tom Deacon does a entertaining short set, plus Tom Jones joins Brydon to duet on a couple of rock songs. All very chummy.

It's not the first time Rob Brydon has fronted his own chat show. Back in 2004, he hosted a spoof version under his alias of Keith Barret. Now he's playing it straight - so you can forgive his first guests for some confusion - especially after Brydon opens by treating his audience to his bizarre impression of Pingu.

"Is it meant to be a comedy show?" asks David Walliams as he considers the best way to reply to a question about his marriage. Pre-recorded on a stage that's been dressed to resemble a gentlemen's club (the traditional kind with bookcases, not lapdancers, I hasten to add) this is a tame, low-wattage affair compared to The Paul O'Grady Show over on ITV1. But Brydon's talent for impersonation also leads to an unusual duet with his other guest, his hero Sir Tom Jones.

Here's a fun game to play while watching Rob Brydon's new chat and variety show featuring David Walliams and Tom Jones - impression bingo! Tick them off as he does them to win a fabulous prize! Ronnie Corbett, Terry Wogan, Alec Guinness and, best of all, Tiny Man In A Box. Got them all? You win! Your prize is that you have just watched Rob Brydon's new chat and variety show featuring David Walliams and Tom Jones. And if you watched it after the new Paul O'Grady chat and variety show, may God have mercy on your soul.

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Rob Brydon is one of Britain's darkest and most gifted comedians - so why is he hosting an entirely traditional chat show? And what, for that matter, is going on with his hair?

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Rob Brydon steps out from behind his character mask to host a brand new BBC2 chat show as himself.