A tight 5: December 30

EDDIE LARGE spent Christmas in hospital suffering complications from the fall he had last month. The 72-year-old comic was re-admitted to Bristol Royal Infirmary on December 16, but a friend told the Bristol Post he was in good spirits and ‘making “Carry On”-type remarks’.

MICHAEL PALIN has admitted that 'clearing debts' was a major incentive behind the forthcoming Monty Python reunion.

BULLDOZERS have moved in on the Red Rose, the former home of one of London’s longest-running clubs. The Finsbury Park venue hosted Saturday-night comedy for 20 years until its closure in January 2008, with the likes of Jack Dee, Russell Brand, Al Murray, Eddie Izzard and Harry Hill performing there.

ALISTAIR WILLIAMS has won The Piccadilly comedy club New Comedian Of The Year competition. He said he was 'delighted and surprised to have won, especially as the competition was so tough'.

ENTRIES open for the 2014 Amused Moose Laugh Off competition on New Year’s Day. The prize is £1,500 and previous winners include Sarah Millican and Jack Whitehall. Details are here.

Published: 30 Dec 2013