A tight 5: January 5

ITV has put all six episodes of its new post-apocalyptic comedy Cockroaches online, more than a week before its conventional broadcast. The show – starring Esther Smith and Ginger and Black's Daniel Lawrence as survivors of a nuclear war – airs on ITV2 from 10m on January 13. But you can watch it in advance here.

ED BALLS has called Russell Brand a ‘pound shop Ben Elton’ after the comedian insulted the Shadow Chancellor as a ‘clicky-wristed ... snidey cunt’ on Channel 4's Big Fat Anniversary Quiz. The insult mimics Brand’s description of Nigel Farage as ‘a pound shop Enoch Powell’ on Question Time.

JENNIFER SAUNDERS says she has finished the first draft of her script for an Absolutely Fabulous movie. She said she was feeling ‘euphoric’ about the achievement, adding: ‘My proper New Year's resolution is to do the film, otherwise it'll be a pointless year of procrastination.’

STILL OPEN ALL HOURS is continuing to prove a ratings hit for BBC One, topping the Sunday night viewing figures for a second week running. The show attracted 6.1 million viewers – more than 26 per cent of the total audience – from 7.30pm.

AMERICAN actress Donna Douglas, best known for playing Elly May Clampett in 1960s sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies, has died in Louisiana at the age of 82. She had been suffering pancreatic cancer.

Published: 5 Jan 2015