Tim Brooke-Taylor's final Clues
The week’s best comedy on TV and radio.
Monday November 30
I’M SORRY I HAVEN’T A CLUE: The first two episodes of this new series, which kicks off tonight, feature Tim Brooke-Taylor’s final recordings of Radio 4's ‘antidote to panel games’ before his Covid-related death in April, at the age of 79. The rest of the panel for this show, taped in Huddersfield, comprises Rachel Parris, Tony Hawks and Marcus Brigstocke. The show makes its return after being named the best radio comedy of all time by a panel of experts. Radio 4, 6.30pm
IMPRACTICAL JOKERS: Series 12 of the hidden camera show featuring Joe Gatto, James ‘Murr’ Murray, Brian ‘Q’ Quinn and Sal Vulcano begins. Comedy Central, 11pm
Wednesday December 2
NEIL INNES: DIP MY BRAIN IN JOY: Radio 4 Extra celebrates the life and work of The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band member, The Rutles founder and unofficial 7th Python in this a three-part programme hosted by Diane Morgan. It features old interviews, performances and conversations with family, friends and fans including his wife of over fifty years Yvonne, Stephen Fry, Adrian Edmondson, Kevin Eldon, Rick Wakeman, Arthur Smith, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin. At the time of his death, Innes was working on a new album, and a project called Radio Noir, part-audio memoir, part-experimental work of art, and this programme features some extracts and some previously unbroadcast songs from that project. Radio 4 Extra, 11am
Thursday December 3
COMEDY LEGENDS: This week’s subject is Alistair Sim, perhaps best known for his portrayal of Scrooge. He was an esteemed Shakespearean actor, but this profile, fronted by Barry Cryer, focusses on comic roles including The Belles of St Trinian’s. Sky Arts, 9pm
THE CRYSTAL MAZE: Chris Ramsey joins TV presenter Laura Whitmore, dancers Perri Kiely and Jordan Banjo, and former rugby player Gareth Thomas in tackling the challenges. Channel 4, 10pm
Friday December 4
HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU: Alexander Armstrong hosts with guests Phil Wang and Dr Hannah Fry. BBC One, 9pm
Saturday December 5
PORRIDGE: The 1979 film version of the prison comedy gets an airing, with Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale, obvs. BBC Two, 5.30pm
THE JONATHAN ROSS SHOW: Michael Palin and Mo Gilligan are among the guests. ITV, 9.30pm
Published: 29 Nov 2020