How to make a comedy hit

TV experts have their say

25/03/2007 … British TV needs more successful, long-running comedy shows to nurture new talent and establish a bigger audience for the genre.

Not up 4 a laugh

Merchant: C4 comedy has lost its way

24/03/2007 … Extras star Stephen Merchant says Channel 4 has lost its way with comedy.

Critics love Russell

Brand picks up another award

23/03/2007 … Russell Brand has been named best TV performer by a panel of professional critics.

Farewell to John Inman

Stars gather at funeral

23/03/2007 … John Inman was ‘given a good send-off’ by friends and family in London today.

23/03/2007 … CATHERINE TATE is said to be planning a nationwide tour of her characters in early 2008.

Doing things by Calfs

Coogan plans to revive duo

23/03/2007 … Steve Coogan is planning to bring Paul and Pauline Calf back to life.

A Shaky sexuality

The week’s comedy trivia...

23/03/2007 … ‘Stand-up keeps getting slagged off because there are so many bad people doing it’- Sean Hughes.

Bean there, done that

Rowan to kill off Mr Bean

23/03/2007 … Rowan Atkinson says he is unlikely to play Mr Bean ever again.