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What the elf is going on here? This witty (and naughty) sitcom has pulled out a cracker of a Christmas episode this year. Starring and co-written by one-liner king Lee Mack, the seventh series finale saw his hapless character, also called Lee, finally marry Lucy (Sally Bretton) after years of love-hate flirting and falling out. And now, glad tidings should be the order of the day because Lucy is about to give birth to their first baby. But expect anything but a straightforward festive season for the newlyweds. It’s Christmas Eve, Lucy is three days overdue and while shopping for last-minute gifts they are mistakenly caught up in a robbery at the local department store. Alongside them are Lee’s eccentric dad Frank (Bobby Ball), dressed as one of Santa’s elves, ditzy Daisy (Katy Wix), and neighbours Toby and Anna (Hugh Dennis and Abigail Cruttenden). Locked in and faced with a dangerous armed robber wearing a Father Christmas latex mask, they need to come up with an … [Read more...] about Newlyweds Lee and Lucy are Not Going Out… after getting caught up in a robbery

Superfan Lee Mack has finally landed a part in the new series of Doctor Who , after begging show bosses until they agreed. The Would I Lie to You star admitted that he would “do anything” for a role in the long-running sci-fi series, and had been trying for years. “I’ve been a fan all my life,” said Lee , right. “So I harassed them until they gave me a little part in it. “I am blink-and-you’ll-miss-it… just a little thing.” The comic’s approaches to show boss Chris Chibnall included a video which showed him exiting his personal Tardis accompanied by a Dalek – which he also owns. “It’s a true story, I’ve got a Tardis at home – it’s not bigger on the inside – and I said ‘Come on, give me a part.’ And he said, ‘All right’.” Lee, 49, added: “This is what you need to do if you want to get a part in something – you just have to buy all the … [Read more...] about Comedian with his own Tardis at home lands unlikely role in new Doctor Who series

Lee Mack’s great-grandfather was a wartime comic who ­survived one of the bloodiest days of the First World War. The comedian discovered he is not the first funny-man in his family while delving into his past for Who Do You Think You Are? Lee, 49, learned that Billy Mac crossed no man’s land on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, in which nearly 20,000 British soldiers were killed on July 1, 1915. Not only did Billy, 25, survive, he continued to be part of comedy troupe The Optimists, who sometimes performed on the front-line, even after a battle. Lee said: “That’s unbelievable – to have been shot at, or perhaps to have killed someone, and then to walk on stage. “This boosting of morale during the war... can’t be underestimated.” But the Not Going Out star is shocked to learn Billy, real name William McKillop, was among the first middle-class recruits into Liverpool’s four “pals battalions”, which promised to … [Read more...] about Lee Mack discovers his great granddad was a war hero AND a comedian like him

Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly has said the BBC show is a hit because its expert judges are “not produced” like X Factor’s. The 43-year-old Mirror columnist has dazzled on the show in designer dresses this year alongside co-host Bruce Forsyth. Asked why Strictly had beaten X Factor in the ratings this year, she said: “I think it boils down to people believing in the show, they understand that it’s not manipulated in any way, viewers empathise with the stars taking part and enjoy being along for the ride. “The judges don’t dish out the high scores easily, do they? "But that said they tend to be fair and at least they’re not “produced” like judges on other shows, so there’s never a dull moment. “It’s feel good entertainment that celebrates the best in people brave enough to put themselves out there by learning how to dance in front of the eyes of the nation. “Plus this year we had some big star names; people whose careers are flying high but who wanted to take part … [Read more...] about Strictly fair: Tess Daly says BBC show beat X Factor in ratings because it’s not “manipulated”

Newly crowned Strictly champ Louis Smith plans to keep his shirt on for the foreseeable future – after promising himself a Christmas blow-out. The Olympic gymnast, who wowed fans as he bared his toned torso in the final of the hit BBC1 series , is looking forward to piling on the pounds with lashings of turkey, spuds and gravy. And – sorry girls – after 12 weeks of gruelling, intensive training, superfit Louis has declared: “I’ll be three stone heavier next time you see me. “I won’t be taking my top off on the tour, that’s for sure. I think I’ve taken my kit off enough for a while.” Watched by 14 million viewers, the London 2012 silver medallist had been on a strict diet before stripping to the waist as he and partner Flavia Cacace clinched victory with a sexy rumba. Shunning carbs in the evening, he ate just white meat or fish and ­couscous in the afternoon after porridge and fruit for breakfast. And the results were dramatic. Before the final he had his first ever … [Read more...] about Oh no! Strictly champ Louis Smith says: “I’m keeping my top on in future”