BBC Scotland/iPlayer THERE should have been an alert beforehand: “Warning: the following programme contains scenes of Scottish politicians giggling, which some viewers might find disturbing.” Yes, it is that time in the electoral cycle again when BBC Scotland sends a comic in to do a journalist’s job. First it was Gary: Tank Commander, then Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson (Jack Docherty) came along to make the gig his own. Politicians lining up to laugh and be laughed at – it is not something you could imagine happening in England. It is rather to the credit of Scotland and her politicians that the party leaders agree to take part. Perhaps they fear being accused of that great Scottish crime of not having a sense of humour. (One leader was conspicuous by his absence. Can you guess who?)
The best of the week s comedy on TV and radio
The week’s best comedy on TV and radio.
Sunday January 3
THE GREAT: Elle Fanning stars as Catherine The Great, Empress of All Russia, in this US period comedy-drama with a very casual relationship with historical accuracy.
Channel 4, 9pm
JOZ NORRIS: A SMALL TALK ON SMALL TALK: Radio 4 begins a new series of Radio 4 stand-up specials with this exploration of what goes on in his head while ‘wading through the quicksand that is polite chit chat’. Lucy Pearman also stars.
Radio 4, 7.15pm
Monday January 4
STAGED: David Tennant and Michael Sheen are back, stuck at home with their increasingly exasperated families while trying to tackle the world of ‘virtual Hollywood’ and their fragile egos. Shot remotely, the new series features some surprise guest stars and introduces Parks and Recreations Ben Schwartz as the assistant to Michael and David’s American agent. Click here for an interview with the two stars.
Channel: Channel 4 Made a Scottish favourite by the Irn-Bru parody, Raymond Brigg’s wordless delight features the song everyone loves to sing along with – Walking in the Air. What: The Great Christmas Bake Off 2020 When: 7.40pm Channel: Channel 4 After the success of Edinburgh’s Peter Sawkins on this year’s baking show, GBBO is back for a festive special with some old show favourites – as well as a performance from Alexandra Burke. What: Still Game Channel: BBC Scotland Join Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill as Jack and Victor for a repeat of a classic favourite – the Christmas special ‘Cold Turkey’ episode of Still Game.