A tight 5: July 17

FAMILY Tree, the improvised comedy from Spinal Tap’s Christopher Guest that stars Chris O’Dowd and Nina Conti, got off to a mediocre start in the ratings last night. The first episode attracted 900,000 viewers – slightly down on the 940,000 BBC Two can expect to attract on average in that slot.

ACCLAIMED American comic Hannibal Buress has announced two appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe. The former 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live writer is bringing his show to The Stand on August 12 and 13.

TV COMEDY director Ray Butt, who also produced the first five series of Only Fools And Horses, has died at the age of 78. His credits also include episodes of The Liver Birds, Citizen Smith, Spike Milligan’s Q5 and Are You Being Served? – among many others.

MODERN Family has been nominated for the Humanitas Prize for writing that ‘explores the human experience in an entertaining and delightful way’. The US sitcom - shown on Sky 1 in the UK – was shortlisted in the 30-minute category alongside The New Normal and Nurse Jackie.

ACTOR Dennis Burkley, who played several role on King Of The Hill has died aged 67. As well as providing voices for the likes of Principal Moss and William B. Travis on the animated comedy, he also made several appearances on My Name is Earl.

Published: 17 Jul 2013