The week's best comedy on TV and radio

The week’s best comedy on TV and radio.

Sunday December 20

JOE LYCETT: I'M ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL AND I THINK Joe Lycett: In his 2018 stand-up special, the comic shares jokes, paintings and some of the pathetic trolling he's been up to, such as breaking into banks, selling art for 12.5 million quid and taking on bronze medal-winning Olympians. Recorded at the Eventim Apollo in London. E4, 10pm

Monday December 21

MOONBASE 8: John C. Reilly Fred Armisen and Tim Heidecker star in this comedy as three astronauts stationed at Nasa’s Moon Base Simulator in a remote part of the Arizona desert, dealing with loneliness, self-doubt - and their own incompetence. Sky Comedy, 9pm

8 OUT OF 10 CATS DOES COUNTDOWN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: Jon Richardson and Sarah Millican face off against Sean Lock and David Mitchell, with David O'Doherty in Dictionary Corner. Channel 4, 9pm

Wednesday December 23

AFTER EVER AFTER - JACK AND THE BEANSTALK: David Walliams imagines what happened after Jack felled the giant beanstalk. This family film also stars Sheridan Smith and Blake Harrison.Sky One, 8.pm

JENNIFER SAUNDERS’ MEMORY LANE: The Ab Fab creator takes Michael Sheen on a journey through the streets of Port Talbot, in an E-Type Jaguar in the latest car-based talk-show format. ITV, 9pm

Thursday December 24

CINDERELLA: A COMIC RELIEF VIRTUAL PANTOMIME FOR CHRISTMAS: A stay-at-home version of the classic tale featuring Olivia Colman as the Fairy Godmother, pictured, Guz Khan as Buttons and real-life siblings Daisy May and Charlie Cooper as The Evil Step Sisters, plus Aisling Bea, Tom Davis, David Walliams, Tom Davis, Tom Hollander, Helena Bonham Carter, Anya Taylor-Joy, Regé-Jean Page and Jimmy Akingbola. BBC Two, 8.15pm

ONE NIGHT IN HAMLEYS: Romesh Ranganathan, Rob Beckett and Tom Allen are locked overnight in the world-famous toy shop and allowed to run wild for the night. Channel 4 described as ‘A Night at the Museum meets Big’. Channel 4, 9pm

BIRDS OF A FEATHER - WE GOTTA GET OUT OF THIS PLACE: The sitcom returns to ITV for the first time in three years - but without Pauline Quirke. The actress is stepping back from the show to focus on her performing arts schools, with her character’s absence from Chigwell explained by her being stuck on a Covid-blighted cruise ship. Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph reprise their roles as Tracey Stubbs and Dorien Green with guest star Les Dennis as Dorien’s new flame Graeme. Comic Curtis Walker will be making a cameo appearance, too. ITV, 9.15pm

ROALD & BEATRIX: THE TAIL OF THE CURIOUS MOUSE: An all-star comedy cast including Dawn French, Jessica Hynes, Rob Brydon, Alison Steadman, Nina Sosanya, Bill Bailey and Nick Mohammed appear in this comedy-drama about a young Roald Dahl meeting his literary hero, Beatrix Potter (French). Sky One, 8.15pm

SCOT SQUAD: THE CHIEF’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: Forget the Queen, this is the one that matters as Chief Commissioner, Cameron Miekelson (Jack Docherty) addresses the nation. BBC Scotland, 9.30pm

THE JONATHAN ROSS CHRISTMAS SHOW: Kevin Bridges is among the guests, alongside Bradley Walsh and his son Barney, Michelle Keegan, Sir Mo Farah and Jess Glynne. ITV, 10pm

ALAN CARR’S EPIC GAMESHOW CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: The comic revives The Price Is Right. ITV, 8.15pm

Friday December 25

JOANNA PAGE AND Mathew Horne: The Gavin and Stacey stars reunite for a BBC Radio Wales special, joined by their sitcom co-stars Melanie Walters (who plays Gwen), Larry Lamb (Mick), Alison Steadman (Pam), Steffan Rhodri (Dave Coaches), Robert Wilfort (Jason) and Laura Aikman (Sonia). There will also be a special message from Gavin and Stacey co-creator James Corden, while other guests include Bonnie Tyler and Shakin’ Stevens. BBC Radio Wales, midday. Here’s a trailer

THE CHASE CELEBRITY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: He just won Taskmaster… can he do the same on The Chase? Richard Herring joins TV presenter Tim Lovejoy, the newly controversial Kay Burley, and footballer Eni Aluko to try to outwit the Chaser. ITV, 6pm

ELIS AND JOHN’S CHRISTMAS CONTENT: Elis James and John Robins introduce special guests, present-swaps, and festive games. Radio 5, 9am.

Saturday December 26

BIG FAT QUIZ OF THE YEAR 2020: Controversy over the lack of female comedians notwithstanding, Jimmy Carr returns with the annual panel show featuring contestants James Acaster, Stacey Solomon, David Mitchell, Maya Jama, Richard Ayoade and Joe Lycett. Channel 4, 9.05pm

THE MASKED SINGER: Joel Dommett is back for a second series of the silly singing show, and joining previous judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Rita Ora return is comedian Mo Gilligan. ITV, 7pm

Published: 20 Dec 2020