Michael McIntyre's Big Show

In the sitcom Extras, Ricky Gervais's character, Andy Millman, has his comedy script accepted by the BBC. Any writer struggling for their big break would be overjoyed, but Millman keeps his cool in the initial meeting with the Beeb and is at pains to stress the comedy should be shown on BBC2. Instead of grabbing at anything, he insists it should not be shown in BBC1. After all, a comedy on BBC1 prime time can't be particularly clever or subversive can it? So what of comedy shows that are not only on BBC1 but, whisper it, on BBC1 on a Saturday night?

Specifically, what of a comedy that has been brought in to replace The Voice in the schedule? Can it be any good? This is not an hour of stand-up, which would have been a brave and welcome move. Instead, it's more of a variety show, hosted by Michael McIntyre. There will be sketches, singing, acrobatics, and pranks on the audience. It's Saturday night TV without a doubt.

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Radio Times review

For the second year running, the indefatigable comedian hosts a cheery variety show, filmed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Dara O'Briain, Dame Edna Everage and surprise America's Got Talent winner Paul Zerdin provide laughs to go with McIntyre's own zippy observations about the tiny absurdities of a family gathering. Ellie Goulding and Tom Jones are the musical guests, with other celebs dropping in to surprise, and perhaps prank, the live audience.