British Comedy Guide
British Comedy Guide

Schedule Thursday 29th December 2011

BBC Radio 4 Extra 8am
30 min
The Men From The Ministry. Copyright: BBC

The Men From The Ministry

Overseas Episodes, Episode 3 - Pardon My French

Trying to get Europe playing cricket, the bungling duo are on a sticky wicket.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 6:20pm (repeat)
The Wrong Trousers. Credit: Aardman Animations

The Wrong Trousers

Oscar-winning claymation from Nick Park. It is Gromit's birthday, and Wallace gives him a pair of mechanical techno trousers that cause a stir.

Radio 4 6:30pm (repeat)
ElvenQuest. Image shows from L to R: Penthiselea (Ingrid Oliver), Sam (Stephen Mangan), Lord Darkness (Alistair McGowan). Copyright: BBC

ElvenQuest

Series 3, Episode 5

The Questers are welcomed to the palace of the White Wizard, the nicest man in the whole of Lower Earth. There is such a thing as being 'too nice' though...

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 7pm (repeat)
Steptoe And Son. Image shows from L to R: Albert Steptoe (Wilfrid Brambell), Harold Steptoe (Harry H. Corbett). Copyright: BBC

Steptoe And Son

Series 8, Christmas Special

Albert Steptoe and his son Harold run a rag and bone business. Harold wants to move on in the world and leave home but his plans are always thwarted.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 7pm (repeat)
A Matter Of Loaf And Death. Copyright: Aardman Animations

A Matter Of Loaf And Death

A spoof of murder mysteries is in store as Wallace and Gromit start running their own bakery: Top Bun. However, there's a Cereal Killer on the loose.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 9pm (repeat)
Sitcom Does.... Joanna Page. Copyright: North One Television

Sitcom Does...

Episode 2 - Sitcom Does Romance With Joanna Page

Joanna Page delves into the world of sitcom romance, taking in lovable comedy couplings from Only Fools And Horses, The Office and Gavin & Stacey. Lush!

BBC Two 9pm
30 min
QI. Image shows from L to R: Alan Davies, Stephen Fry. Copyright: TalkbackThames

QI

Series I, Christmas Special - Ice

A Christmas special with Ross Noble, Sean Lock and Brian Blessed.

U&Dave channel logo 9pm (repeat)
Mock The Week. Image shows from L to R: Andy Parsons, Hugh Dennis, Dara O Briain, Russell Howard, Frankie Boyle. Copyright: Angst Productions

Mock The Week

Series 6, Episode 4

Host Dara O'Briain is joined by regulars Hugh Dennis, Frankie Boyle, Andy Parsons and Russell Howard. With guests Michael McIntyre and Mark Watson.

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 9pm (repeat)
Little Crackers. Jo Brand

Little Crackers

Little Crackers 2010, Episode 7 - Jo Brand's Little Cracker

It's all about teenage turmoil and a moggy mystery in an autobiographical short written by and starring Jo Brand.

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 9:15pm (repeat)
Little Crackers. Image shows from L to R: Young Meera (Narisa Padhiar), Meera Syal

Little Crackers

Little Crackers 2010, Episode 12 - Meera Syal's Little Cracker

Uncle Satnam steps out from Santa's shadow in an autobiographical short written by and starring Meera Syal. Filmed in 3D.

BBC Two 9:30pm
30 min
Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Copyright: TalkbackThames / BBC

Never Mind The Buzzcocks

Series 25, Highlights Special

Greg Davies guides a small group around The Museum of Never Mind The Buzzcocks Series 25, with clips featuring Alice Cooper, Lorraine Kelly, James Blunt, Tinie Tempah, Cilla Black and more.

BBC Three 9:30pm (repeat)
Russell Howard's Good News. Russell Howard. Copyright: Avalon Television

Russell Howard's Good News

Series 4, Episode 6

While it is impossible to know what news will feature in this totally topical show, smart money must be on the forthcoming royal wedding joining the many other major stories going under the Good News spotlight this week.

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 9:30pm (repeat)
Trollied. Image shows from L to R: Andy (Mark Addy), Kieran (Nick Blood), Julie (Jane Horrocks), Linda (Faye McKeever), Katie (Chanel Cresswell), Gavin (Jason Watkins), Sue (Lorraine Cheshire), Margaret (Rita May), Leighton (Joel Fry), Lisa (Beverly Rudd), Colin (Carl Rice). Copyright: Roughcut Television

Trollied

Series 1, Episode 7

Kieran's girlfriend has a big question to ask him, and Gavin isn't his usual self after getting, ahem, trollied the night before. Plus, Julie receives some rather good news.

U&Dave channel logo 9:40pm (repeat)
QI Titles. Copyright: TalkbackThames

QI

Series E, Episode 6 - Everything, Etc.

With Jeremy Clarkson, Clive Anderson and Vic Reeves.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 10pm (repeat)
Gavin & Stacey. Image shows from L to R: Bryn (Rob Brydon), Gwen (Melanie Walters), Nessa (Ruth Jones), Stacey (Joanna Page), Gavin (Mathew Horne), Mick (Larry Lamb), Pam (Alison Steadman), Smithy (James Corden). Copyright: Baby Cow Productions

Gavin & Stacey

Series 2, Christmas Special - Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special

It's Christmas Eve and the Wests join the Shipmans for one of Mick's famous turkey dinners.

BBC Two 10pm (repeat)
The Bleak Old Shop Of Stuff. Image shows from L to R: Fearshiver (Joshua McGuire), Malifax Skulkingworm (Stephen Fry), Conceptiva Secret-Past (Katherine Parkinson), Jedrington Secret-Past (Robert Webb). Copyright: BBC

The Bleak Old Shop Of Stuff

Christmas Special

Jedrington's family is incarcerated by evil lawyer Skulkingworm in London's infamous prison The Skint, until they can repay a mysterious and vast debt. Will Jedrington rescue his family in time for Christmas or lose them forever? And is there more to the name Secret-Past than meets the eye?

ITV2 logo. Credit: ITV 10pm
60 min
Celebrity Juice. Image shows from L to R: Holly Willoughby, Rufus Hound, Leigh Francis, Fearne Cotton

Celebrity Juice

Series 6, Highlights Special - 2041 - A Juice Odyssey

It's New Year's Eve 2041 and an ancient Keith Lemon, Fearne Cotton, Holly Willoughby and Rufus Hound look back at some of the best bits from Series 6.

E4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation 10pm (repeat)
My Funniest Year. Copyright: Twofour

My Funniest Year

Episode 1 - Jack Whitehall: 2005

Young comic talent Jack Whitehall, who is now starring in Channel 4's brand new drama Fresh Meat, takes to the stage of Hackney Empire and reflects on My Funniest Year, 2005.

ITV1 logo. Credit: ITV 10:15pm (repeat)
Notting Hill

Notting Hill

Romantic comedy film about the relationship between a famous American movie actress and an unassuming British book shop owner.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 10:20pm (repeat)
Absolutely Fabulous. Image shows from L to R: Patsy (Joanna Lumley), Edina (Jennifer Saunders). Copyright: Saunders And French Productions / BBC

Absolutely Fabulous

2011 Christmas Specials - Identity

There's a homecoming for one of the women, who's been 'away' for quite some time. She arrives at the Monsoon household with a new - slightly scary - best friend who forces a certain person to face some long-hidden truths...

U&Dave channel logo 10:20pm (repeat)
QI Titles. Copyright: TalkbackThames

QI

Series E, Episode 7 - Espionage

With Clive Anderson, Vic Reeves and Jo Brand.

BBC Three 10:30pm (repeat)
Russell Howard's Good News. Russell Howard. Copyright: Avalon Television

Russell Howard's Good News

Series 4, Episode 7

Russell once again gives his upbeat and entertaining take on some of the key news stories of the week.

BBC Four 10:30pm (repeat)
George Formby

Frank Skinner On George Formby

Frank Skinner delves into the world of George Formby, in his eyes the greatest entertainer of all time.

BBC Two 11pm (repeat)
Have I Got News For You. Image shows left to right: Ian Hislop, Paul Merton. Credit: Matt Crockett

Have I Got News For You

Series 40, Highlights Special

In this special edition we have a look back at 2010, a year which saw the fall of Gordon Brown, a Con-Dem Coalition, the raise of the Tea Party Movement, and Hislop and Merton satirising it all.

U&Dave channel logo 11pm
60 min version (repeat)
Russell Howard's Good News. Russell Howard. Copyright: Avalon Television

Russell Howard's Good News

Topical stand-up comedy and chat show hosted by Russell Howard.

Sky One logo. Copyright: Sky 11pm (repeat)
A League Of Their Own. Image shows from L to R: Jamie Redknapp, James Corden, John Bishop, Georgie Ainslie, Andrew Flintoff. Copyright: CPL Productions

A League Of Their Own

Series 4, Episode 6

Former Man Utd star Gary Neville and comedian David Walliams throw themselves into the thick of the action, from toe-wrestling to a spot of eco-friendly go-kart racing.

Channel 4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation 11:10pm (repeat)
The Comic Strip presents The Hunt For Tony Blair. Image shows from L to R: Alastair Campbell (Harry Enfield), Margaret Thatcher (Jennifer Saunders), Tony Blair (Stephen Mangan). Copyright: Comic Strip Productions

The Comic Strip Presents...

Episode 1 - The Hunt For Tony Blair

The Comic Strip team return for a special 50s-style 'fugitive' film noir spoof. Prime Minister Tony Blair is wanted for murder and is on the run.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV 11:20pm (repeat)
Absolutely Fabulous. Image shows from L to R: Edina (Jennifer Saunders), Patsy (Joanna Lumley). Copyright: Saunders And French Productions / BBC

Absolutely Fabulous

Series 3, Episode 3 - Sex

Edina is encouraged by Patsy to plan an orgy, as she has not had sex for a long time. The pair hire two gigolos and prepare for their night of debauchery; which collides disastrously with Saffron's biology presentation for university.

BBC Two 11:30pm (repeat)
Blackadder Rides Again. Rowan Atkinson

Blackadder Rides Again

Rowan Atkinson and the cast of the legendary comedy series Blackadder are back for a one-off documentary special.

BBC Two 11:30pm (repeat)
QI. Image shows from L to R: Alan Davies, Stephen Fry. Copyright: TalkbackThames

QI

Series I, Episode 11 - Infantile

With Ronni Ancona, Dave Gorman and Lee Mack.

Gold channel logo. Copyright: UKTV Midnight (repeat)
Absolutely Fabulous. Image shows from L to R: Edina (Jennifer Saunders), Patsy (Joanna Lumley). Copyright: Saunders And French Productions / BBC

Absolutely Fabulous

Series 3, Episode 4 - Jealous

When Edina's arch-rival Claudia Bing beats her to a coveted Public Relations award set up by Edina herself, she is left fuming. Unfortunately a missing speech sends her comeback plans awry, and she rants against her own industry in frustration.

BBC Two Midnight (repeat)
Stephen Fry

I've Never Seen Star Wars

2011 Special - Stephen Fry

In a show which encourages its guests to try things they really should have attempted by now, host Jo Brand introduces Stephen Fry to ear piercing, flat pack furniture and Only Fools and Horses.

U&Dave channel logo Midnight (repeat)
Russell Howard's Good News. Russell Howard. Copyright: Avalon Television

Russell Howard's Good News

Topical stand-up comedy and chat show hosted by Russell Howard.

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