Les Dawson's Lost Diaries

Here's a welcome repeat from 2004, reminding us that Les Dawson, with his hangdog looks and bleak routines, was one of Britain's greatest comics. His diaries reveal his secret love of literature, but they are also shot through with doubt and disappointment, fear and insecurity. In many ways, Dawson's story is typical of so many comedians, who are tortured souls desperate to be taken seriously. But it's not all bleakness, for there are some sublimely funny moments. John Nettles and Jack Dee are among the contributors.