Twenty Twelve

Twenty Twelve review: Gold

The second series of this critically acclaimed mockumentary following the Olympic Deliverance team attempting to organise the Games is equally as hilarious, if a little more self-assured, as its first instalment.

Back on track with Hugh Bonneville

As the BBC's Olympics satire Twenty Twelve returns for a second series, Hugh Bonneville talks to James Rampton about a role far removed from Downton Abbey but just as quintessentially English.

The dry-as-toast mock-doc about the London Olympic planning committee returns. Ian (Hugh Bonneville) faces an escalating crisis when one national team insists that the multifaith worship centre in the Olympic village faces Mecca. The way Siobhan (Jessica Hynes) says "Muslim" is perfect in its ignorance: "Muss-lum" she repeats, over and over. That and her insistence that Muslim and Islam are two different religions. Another perfectly judged script with superb performances, most notably Olivia Colman's PA. Solid gold stuff.

Leaked emails: 'The greatest show on Earth'?

With the official announcement this week that the Olympic site is coming along nicely, the Twenty Twelve Deliverance team have been working around the clock to ensure that the games go off without a hitch.

Unfortunately, Graham must have left his computer unlocked, as we've been forwarded some e-mails that Ian might not want to world to see...

One of last year's biggest comedy success stories, this mockumentary, which won Best Sitcom at the 2011 British Comedy Awards and was given its own Sport Relief special, has been promoted to BBC Two for this second series. We return to the shambolic offices of the fictional Olympic Deliverance Committee, headed by pen-pusher Ian Fletcher (Hugh Bonneville). His signature torturous metaphors, delivered with earnest sincerity, provide much of the comedy - among tonight's gems are "Sustainability is the centre pole that keeps this whole tent up". Jessica Hynes also shines as Head of Brand Siobhan Sharpe, a Sloane Ranger who talks in a baffling text-speak. Tonight, Fletcher faces a publicity nightmare when Algeria threatens to boycott the Games because the Olympics' new multi-faith centre doesn't face Mecca.

John Morton's satire doesn't bite so much as lick playfully at viewers like a friendly labrador. This is largely Bonneville's show, his wonderfully Pooterish Fletcher showing off the actor's talents better than Downton Abbey. With the real Games about to begin, it's fun to imagine a similarly crazed paddling going on just below the surface at Olympics HQ.

Video: Hugh Bonneville returns in Twenty Twelve

Hugh Bonneville joined BBC Breakfast to talk about the second series of the award winning British Comedy Twenty Twelve.

Twenty Twelve is back!

Yep, that's right. Twenty Twelve is returning to our screens at 10pm on Friday 30th March on BBC Two.

Jessica Hynes interview

TV Choice speaks to Jessica Hynes, who plays PR guru and Head Of Brand, Siobhan Sharpe...

'Twenty Twelve' gets third series

Twenty Twelve will have two more series before the summer Olympics in London.

This Olympic-themed mockumentary's screening in the stadium of BBC Two as opposed to the school athletics track of BBC Four, where it was first shown, magnifies its flaws. John Morton's script isn't ambitious enough to go for the laughs it could wring from the subject matter, despite the actors' best efforts. Tonight, the Olympic Deliverance Team, run by Ian Fletcher (Hugh Bonneville), recruits ex-athlete Dave Wellbeck (Darren Boyd) to tour schools inspiring youngsters, but it turns out he has all the dazzle of a frayed jock strap.