A tight 5: October 6

STEVE MARTIN is to receive a lifetime achievement award from the American Film Institute. The 69-year-old will be honoured at a televised gala in June next year. ‘Steve Martin is an American original,’ said Howard Stringer, chair of the AFI's board of trustees. ‘He is a multi-layered creative force bound by neither convention nor caution. His work is defined by him alone, for he is the author - and a national treasure whose work has stuck with us like an arrow in the head.’

MACKENZIE CROOK has turned down a role in the remake of Dad's Army. It had been rumoured that he was in line to play Private Walker - as we reported in our WTF column on Friday - but he actually turned down the role several months ago.

CHARACTER comedian Andrew McBurney has won the Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award 2014, which was presented by Jasper Carrott following an event at the Glee Club. Although hailing from Glasgow, McBurney has spent the last 21 years in the Black Country and currently lives in Halesowen. He beat five other local acts, all nominated by a team of comedy pros, to the titled

STAND-UP Mickey D is running five marathons in five days to raise money for The Christie cancer charity in Manchester. The Australian-born comic – who ran his last marathon in under 3hrs 10mins – will take part in the Hell Of A Hill Five Day Challenge over the Lancashire slopes from November 12, his 35th birthday. The week will culminate in a benefit gig at the Frog & Bucket in Manchester on November 16. Donate here.

SPENCER BROWN has won the £100 prize for the best Chortle Correspondents article in September for his piece on what's wrong with comedy criticism.

Published: 6 Oct 2014