Atkinson sketch tops 2013 complaints list | A tight 5: December 16

Atkinson sketch tops 2013 complaints list

A tight 5: December 16

THE Comic Relief sketch in which Rowan Atkinson played a fictional Archbishop of Canterbury who said praying ‘doesn’t work’ and that ‘love thy neighbour’ does not mean ‘shagging’ them was the most complained-about moment on TV in 2013. Media regulator Ofcom received 487 complaints but cleared the sketch of breaking guidelines. The BBC is thought to have received around 2,500 complaints about the same sketch.

TONY HAWKS – who famously hitchhiked around Ireland with a fridge – is this week cycling coast to coast across Devon with a pig. He’s seeking sponsorship for the 100-mile trip to raise money for the Tony Hawks Centre for kids with cerebral palsy in Moldova. He said on his JustGiving page: ‘I've deliberately chosen a cold, dark week in December as I know how much you'll enjoy me suffering.’

SIGHTSEERS - the comedy serial-killer film written by and starring Alice Lowe and Steve Oram - will receive its TV premiere on Film 4 on Boxing Day.

COMICS are to hold a benefit gig next month in honour of Ed Balls, the long-serving compere of the new act night at The Bedford in Balham, South London. Paul Sinha and Joe Wilkinson are among the acts taking part in the Deceased Comedian's Ball in honour of Balls – real name Ed Rikard Bell – who died of a brain tumour earlier this year aged just 46. Proceeds of the gig, at The Bedford on January 12, are going to the Neurosciences Research Foundation. Details.

Luke Graves has been named Hastings Comedian of the Year, winning £500 in the competition organised by the The Pig in Paradise pub in the town.

Published: 16 Dec 2013

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