New writers win BBC deal
Talent hunt in Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland
14/11/2001 … Three young comedy writers are to have their work commissioned by the BBC after winning a talent hunt.
Wed 14 November 2001
Women vie for comic title
14/11/2001 … Five comics will tomorrow compete in the final of a competition to find the best new female stand-up.
Steve Martin book deal
14/11/2001 … Steve Martin has signed a deal to follow up his bestselling book Shopgirl.
Blue Jam on stage
14/11/2001 … A live version of Chris Morris's Blue Jam radio show is to be staged in London.
'Too funny' Royles axed
Aherne exorcised jokes from sitcom
14/11/2001 … Two early episodes of The Royle Family were dumped - because they were too funny.
Tue 13 November 2001
BBC2's comedy turn-off
1.4m viewers lost during new line-up
13/11/2001 … Ratings for BBC2's new Monday night comedy line-up slid throughout the evening, according to unofficial overnight figures.
Bailey to play West End
13/11/2001 … Bill Bailey has announced three dates in London's West End.
Peggy Mount dies
Star of vintage sitcom The Larkins
13/11/2001 … Actress Peggy Mount, star of vintage sitcom The Larkins, has died at the age of 86.