A tight 5: September 20

THE BBC is piloting a new TV panel show that Professor Brian Cox calls ‘a sort of science QI’. Dara O Briain and Ben Miller – both of whom have science degrees – are also taking part in the trial episode, alongside physicist Jim Al-Khalili. The recording takes place today for a possible BBC Two series, although no other details are known.

SKY Atlantic has confirmed the UK air date of Stephen Merchant's new HBO series Hello Ladies. The show will debut at 10.30pm on October 16, as the second half of a double bill with the second series of Armando Iannucci's Veep.

CANADIAN sketch troupe The Kids In The Hall are performing another reunion show, titled Rusty And Ready – mixing new material with classic skits – but only at the Toronto Sketchfest in November. The cult quintet previously reunited for the 2007 Just For Laughs comedy festival and subsequent North American tour.

THE Montreux Comedy Festival has launched a competition for stand-ups to take part in December’s events, with five winner receiving a flight to Switzerland, free meals and a hotel room. Comics over 18 need to upload their best stand-up video to Dailymotion, then judges will select the best 30 to go to a public vote. Entries end on October 31.

8 OUT OF 10 CATS is to returns to Channel 4 on October 4, it has been announces. Guests joining Jimmy Carr, Sean Lock and Jon Richardson this series will include Jack Dee, Jo Brand, Henning Wehn, Josh Widdicombe and Danny Dyer.

Published: 20 Sep 2013