A tight 5: October 20

MICHAEL GAMBON has signed up as the voice of the Bad Robots in E4's new hidden camera programme of that name. The six-part comedy series, due to air from early next month, uses technology such as argumentative vending machines and abusive electronic road signs to prank victims.

RUSSELL KANE has landed his first film acting role, playing a camp jeweller in the 'eco-rom-com' Scottish Mussel, which Chortle reported on last week. The movie also stars Fresh Meat and Inbetweeners actor Joe Thomas and Talulah Riley, the St Trinian's star, who will also direct.

WE NEED To Talk About Kevin Bridges has become a top ten bestseller. The comedian's memoirs entered the Sunday Times list at No 9 yesterday after selling 3,500 hardback copies in the first week, slightly more than John Lydon's.

COMEDY CENTRAL’s sitcom Mummy’s Boy has been renamed Brotherhood. It stars Ben Ashenden from sketch group The Pin and actor and singer-songwriter Johnny Flynn as twentysomething siblings, entrusted with brining up their 13-year old brother after their mum dies. Stand-up Ellie Taylor is also in the cast of the sitcom, which will be recorded this autumn.

JAY LENO received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor last night, with tributes being paid by the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Wanda Sykes and Jimmy Fallon, who said of Leno: 'He's just one of the hardest working comedians ever. I have nothing but respect for the guy.'

Published: 20 Oct 2014