WTF: Weekly Trivia File

• ‘Comedy is for nerdy guys who don’t have the guts for confrontation’ Tim Minchin.

• Much needless ado about Renee Zellweger’s appearance this week. But it seems the writers of Karen Gillan’s new US sitcom Selfie saw it all coming But a gift of timing, the episode that aired on ABC in the States on the very day people were concerning themselves with the actress’s looks contained a gag about that exact topic – even though it had been taped months earlier. ‘When you completely reinvent your look, you run the risk of people not knowing who the hell you are,’ Gillan’s character Eliza said. ‘ie Renee Zellweger, who still looks good…’ A line topped by the character Charmonique saying: ‘But doesn't look a damn thing like Miss Renee Zellweger.’

• Jo Brand recorded a version of My Co-Ca-Choo with Alvin Stardust in 1995.

• And talking of Ms Brand, this video might be of interest. Revived online, it’s a 1989 degree project called What’s So Funny, featuring her and fellow comic Wendy Lee working the circuit, including their sets at the now-defunct Red Rose club in North London:

• Miranda Hart often talked about hating the process of writing her self-titled sitcom. Now it seems she doesn’t like touring either. ‘I didn’t love it,’ she tells Graham Norton on his BBC One chat show tonight. ‘I am not used to that level of attention and it was stressful. It was a surreal experience.’

• In John Fleming’s blog this week, comedy writer David McKellar recalls going to lunch with Norman Collier, he of the 'faulty mic' routine. The comic came in to the restaurant with a 10ft ventriloquist’s doll The waiter came along and and handed out menus all round – including one for the dummy which ordered a whole meal. Then Collier got hold of a popadom, held it under the table and started making barking noises without moving his lips. Staff threw him out because they didn’t allow dogs in the restaurant, leaving McKellar sitting in there with a 10ft dummy.

• Harry Enfield’s had a fantastic comedy career, so what two credits did producers of Scottish Mussel use to explain who he was ? Kevin & Perry Go Large and, erm, Churchill: The Hollywood Years…

• Will Bower, a would-be advertising hotshot, has landed a position at agency VCCP – after submitting this film, performed in the style of David Brent. And what batter calling card for a job in advertising than ripping off someone else’s creation? Watch it here

• Tweets of the week
Alan Stoob(@nazihunteralan): So what if Renee Zelwiggler looks different? I haven't looked the same since Rudolf Hess punched me in the Arndale Centre. Sleep well. Alan.
Vivienne Clore (@Vivienneclore): No one ever asks 'how's Wally?'
James Martin (@Pundamentalism): Telling a woman you work in IT Support can be such a turn off. And then a turn on again.

Published: 24 Oct 2014