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³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Two's critically acclaimed international sitcom Episodes will return for a new nine part series next year, written by David Crane () and Jeffery Klarik (). The series has been re-commissioned by Janice Hadlow, Controller of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Two and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Controller of Comedy Commissioning, Cheryl Taylor

Matt LeBlanc, Tamsin Greig and Stephen Mangan are all set to return, picking up where the first series left off. The Brits have decided to stay in Hollywood to work on their TV show and deal with the aftermath of Bev's one night stand with Matt.

Cheryl Taylor said "Matt, Tamsin Greig and Stephen Mangan have added their own special magic to the brilliantly distinctive world created by David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik and we are thrilled by the prospect of playing host to them again on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Two next year"

Executive Producer Jimmy Mulville added "At the end of the first series the writers have placed our three protagonists in the middle of comedy hell. Like the rest of the audience I can't wait to see what is going to happen to them!"

Here are the three stars discussing that final episode in an exclusive clip from the online extras:

Episodes is a Hat Trick/Crane Klarik production for the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ and Showtime Networks.

Do you think you've got what it takes to make it as a stand up? Could you follow in the footsteps of Alan Carr, Rhod Gilbert, Josie Long, Marcus Brigstock, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Russell Howard, Justin Lee Collins, Sarah Millican and Julian Barratt?

Well, now's your chance because today, Steve Wright announced the launch of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 2 New Comedy Award 2011, a nationwide search for the best new stand-up comedy talent in the UK.

He was joined by Patrick Kielty who will present the semi-finals and the grand final of the Award, which is now open for submissions until Sunday 27 March.

To take part, entrants must submit 5 minutes of audio material. You can get more information and an application form from Radio 2 or by calling 03700 100 200.

The Award initially ran from 1995 to 2005. This year, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 2 and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Comedy are reviving the Award and putting the spotlight back on seeking out the best new stand up comedy talent, with a new format and, for the first time, including audience interactivity.

How Colin Firth Are you? While it might look effortless, not everyone has what it takes to beat the Americans at their own game and yet remain quintessentially British.

Take our exclusive personality test below and find out where you score on the Firthometer.

Need more Colin? Watch our Front Row King's Speech Special.

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Like an Indiana Jones of British comedy, Paul Jackson has discovered a precious piece of sitcom history...

Paul Jackson is the producer who brought us comedy classics like The Two Ronnies, The Young Ones and Red Dwarf.

While working on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 4 show Britain In A Box, Paul "had a rare treat when we managed to obtain a copy of the original, never-broadcast pilot of Men Behaving Badly.

This pilot starred Martin Clunes, Caroline Quentin, Leslie Ash and Harry Enfield and was so good it let to... a second pilot. Then all it took was two series, a switch of channel and a generous helping of Neil Morrissey to create one of the most iconic sitcoms ever made.

To read more about the show's incredible journey from novel (yes, novel) to national treasure, read Paul Jackon's blog.

Listen to Paul Jackon's Men Behaving Badly episode of Britain In A Box.

Read more Britain In A Box Blog Posts.

Britain In A Box goes out on Radio Four, Saturdays at 10.30

Update: Mrs. Brown has answered your questions! Has she answered yours? Find out here.

You know those Agony Aunts who say they've been through everything? They've got nothing on Agnes Brown. Mother. Widow. Survivor. She's set wayward son Dermot back on the straight and narrow. She's helped daughter Cathy get through a messy divorce.Ìý Now Mrs. Brown wants to know how she can help you… by answering your questions.

Mrs. Agnes Brown writes...

"As you'll know by now I'm great at giving advice. And that's probably why the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ have asked me to hang around during the rest of the series.

If there's anything you need help with, just drop me a line and I might get back to you. It may take me a while - I'm a slow reader. As I've just said, perhaps you've got an errant boyfriend, an interfering mother in law or you just want to know more about me.

Whatever it is pop it down - you can leave questions for me here on the blog or:

1. Add a comment to the video on

2. On Twitter, tweet to using the hashtag #AskMrsBrown

3. Post your questions on the page

Keep checking back on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Comedy Blog throughout the series to see your questions answered.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy the show!"

Please Note: When contributing to this post your comments and username may be used on the Mrs. Brown's Boys programme page, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Comedy website and YouTube channel.

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More from Mrs. Brown's Boys:

• Producer Stephen McCrum explains how he took Mrs. Brown from the stage to the screen.
• Watch a trailer for Mrs. Brown's Boys
• Writer, creator and star of Mrs. Brown's Boys, Brendan O'Carroll introduces Mrs. Brown's children.
• FromÌýthe ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ TV Blog, Brendan O'Carroll on the influences behind Mrs. Brown.

Mrs. Brown's Boys is on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One every Monday evening at 10.35pm.Ìý

Comedy Producer Stephen McCrum (Mongrels, Coming of Age, Two Pints of Lager...) has an eye for spotting new talent. The mighty Mr McCrum tells us how he discovered outrageous Mrs. Brown and brought her to Sitcomland...

"This week has been so exciting.

Finally, after five years of what tv people call development hell, we get to put Brendan O’Carroll’s Mrs. Brown’s Boys in front of its audience – you – on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ ONE.

I say "five years of hell". I lie. It was four years of funny stories (Brendan loves a good story), quiz nights (Brendan and family love a good quiz) and earnest script meetings in places as disparate as Derry in Northern Ireland and Epcot in Disneyland Florida (Don’t ask). And along the way I learnt a lot about hugging.

Yes, Mrs Brown’s Boys was never the standard development story. My Glaswegian friends Ian and Jeremy told me about this funny old Irish woman packing them in at the local theatre. One damp night in 2006, feeling pretty jaded from a day on the road, I tumbled, late and gently dripping, into the Pavilion… and was knocked sideways by a tsunami of mirth.

Two thousand women – almost all 60 and over – heads rocking like a field of silver cabbages in the gale of their own laughter. Then I saw the faces of the young ushers and knew I’d stumbled on a phenomenon. Despite themselves, the teenagers too were crying with laughter.

Thanks to my friends I’d unearthed one of comedy’s hidden treasures: Brendan O’Carroll’s Agnes Brown. Up there with the greats of comic timing – the Paul Whitehouses, Dame Ednas, Billy Connollys. Queen/King of the visceral one-liner. Master/Mistress of the quick-fire ad-lib. And here on stage with him/her was a fully-formed sitcom that managed to engage you wholeheartedly in the lives of all its characters while mercilessly breaking the fourth wall.

Five million people might have queued to see the sell-out theatre shows before me, but in tv land this could count as a pioneering, once-in-a-lifetime discovery! I had to bring Mrs. Brown to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ. And fast.

Four years later, here we are. Back in Glasgow, recording the first series… with all the ad-libs, fourth wall breaks, and filthy language intact … and for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ ONE!

Now it’s ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Scotland’s talented crew who are warmly embracing the show. And Brendan and family are embracing them warmly back.

Yes, Mrs. Brown’s Boys was not just one of the most enjoyable shows to produce ever. It’s also – thanks to Brendan and family – the one with the most hugging.

Thanks for watching. We all hope you enjoy the show. Do please tell us what you think."

Mrs. Brown's Boys begins next Monday, at 22.35 on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One. Here's our preview of the first episode.

Got a question for Mrs. Brown? Don't miss your chance to #AskMrsBrown.

FromÌýthe ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ TV Blog, Brendan O'Carroll on the influences behind Mrs. Brown.

Welcome to 's new weekly column, which as you'll find out will quickly become vital reading for anyone planning to 'do things' during their lifetime.

Yes, if you're in need of a new list to tick off before you pop off, you've come to the right place, so read on...

First off, here's an interactive introduction: follow the on screen instructions to get travel tips before you die:

Animation by

There's so much to do before Death, that grim mystery shopper, enters our world expecting to be greeted within 30 seconds. Before Death, that least popular Barbie, rides into our doll’s house for one last make-over. To help us narrow it down, there are plenty of books around listing things to do, or places to go, before you die.

These lists are always aspirational – yuppie holiday ideas in disguise. Where are the ideas for normal folk with normal problems? Where’s '101 places to leave a tea bag before you die'? Where's '101 things to do before you attempt to apply for Jobseeker's Allowance via their website?' What about all the thrilling, but achievable suggestions like 'Tron wheelbarrow racing' or 'Draw on a guide dog'?

Bridge jumps, balloon rides, mountain climbing, Peru... The things you’re supposed to do are all about height, or ancient monuments, or both. We have only a short while as stewards of this Earth; I can be bored or high up at home.

So what do we really want to do before our time comes? Personally, I want to try out defibrillators, walk down train tracks, get stuck in a lift, order a 'usual' and call a stranger 'darling'. Being sick in the toilet at work, not abseiling, is the mark of a full life. Prolong your time on Earth with adventure and green tea by all means, but trust me - you’ll only waste the extra minutes looking for places to stash the sodden tea bags afterwards. Until someone comes up with a list for that, of course.

101 Things to do Before You Die will continue next week. In the meantime, why not leave your own suggestions in the comments below?

Rapper Jason Lewis is not the only one with a Tinie.. erm... a tiny temp... a long fuse.

Intro:

"No, there's just nothing for me to wear...
Its ok,
I’m good,
Lets Vogue! (Man dem Vogue) "

Chorus:

"Yeah (yeah) I’m sounding camp now,
I’m not gay, I love women what you chattin' bout
Just because I sip tea with my finger out,
Doesn’t mean that I’m in love with men now."

"(Look) I’m not gay,
So just (camp) go away, (click your fingers, neck attitude)
No need to come out, (the closet)
Just because I’m sounding camp now!"

Verse:

"Yeah, yeah, I’m from the hood now,
But Notting hill, Soho is where I hang out,
I live a very very very weird lifestyle,
Kanye West, Lady Gaga eat your heart out,
I used to listen to Madonna at my friends house,
I watch Broke Back Mountain all day at my aunts house,
I’m doing pop baby we about to branch out,
Main-stream tunes is the ting now, Yeah!"

"Yeah, yeah and there ain't nobody camper,
no matter where you go-er, everybody knows-er,
Pink bedroom, Pink tattooed on my chest-er,
Pink skinny jeans, just in case that don't impress her,
Say hello to Will Young and that fashion guy called Gok Wan,
I wearing butt protectors,
Hand bags I got a crazy collection (phone rings),
Hiyah, I cant hear you, shit reception (Him on the phone)."

Chorus:

"Yeah (yeah) I’m sounding camp now,
I’m not gay I love women what you chattin' bout
Just because I sip tea with my finger out,
Doesn’t mean that I’m in love with men now.
(Look) I’m not gay,
So just (camp) go away,
Need to come out, (the closet)
Just because I’m sounding camp now!
Camp Now. "

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³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three brings you a chance to contribute to Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps...

We've noticed some of you asking about the next series of Two Pints. We thought we'd let you know about this amazing opportunity to contribute to the next round of the show.

Know any top tunes that should be playing in The Archers?

"Do you think they should be listening to chart favourites like Take That or maybe you think there should be some Tinie Tempah or Chase and Status basslines?" asks ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three.

Here's your chance to get your favourite tracks played on the jukebox.

To make your suggestions, simply head on over to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three Blog.

Good luck!

It's The BRIT Awards tonight... and Dan Bull is, like, sooo over them already.

First Verse.

"Attention ladies and gentlemen,
It's time for that event again.
The one where adult women and men,
Act all silly that you'd think they were ten.
It's like everybody at the ceremony,
Wants to be a bigger bell-end than their buddies,
Oh goody, it's another bloody,
Bunch of contempary musicians,
Wishing they were just a little bit funny,
I believe we've reason to worry,
Cos these are the people kids seek for answers,
Egotistical conceited ws,
Drinking litres of champers,
And prancing around flashing cameras the seat of their pants.
I'd never heard of Jessie J til yesterday,
She wants to do it like a dude but its just a phase,
And The Wanted have had one hit number one,
I wonder what they did to get their number on the hot list?
In the past I did ignore the Brit Awards,
But it's difficult when it is all up in your Twitter wall,
You're not escaping it - like a prison,
Or a conversation with Grampa Simpson.
It's the pop equivalent of a lobotomy,
Honestly I'd rather have got a colostomy,
Or a bottle lodged between my bottom cheeks,
Than watch this bollocks on the TV."

Chorus:

"I'm pretty bored,
Of the Brit Awards,
People acting like tits just to get applause."

Second Verse:

Er, the nominations are an abomination,
Of major record label domination,
I'm not saying that they don't deserve recognition,

But given their position are you certain there isn't,Just a little bit of nepotism?
Correct me if I'm wrong,
But how many unsigneds are there? None.
A sad fact, but we see why,
It's a pat on the back for the B. P. I.
That's chiefly why I don't watch the Brits
I'd rather have root canal while I pop my zits
If I was a fit woman, I'd wop my tits out,
For the bosses and start dropping pop hits.
But I'm not, I'm just a chubby white geek,
Who likes to speak on copyrighted beats,
Could I possibly have a prize for that, please?
It'd look rather nice on my mantelpiece,
I tear up the underground,a rebel mole,
The diametric opposite of Cheryl Cole.
I'm ready for the fight night, I'm a contender,
At least that's what I like to pretend,
And don't get me wrong, I like Tinie Tempah,
But will I remember that by December?
Nah, it's unlikely innit, but by then,
We'll have another Next Big Thing all over again."

Chorus:

"I'm pretty bored,
Of the Brit Awards,
People acting like tits just to get applause."

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David Walliams loves an endurance challenge.

He's swam the channel, the Gibraltar Strait and led a team of celebrity cyclists on a non-stop Land’s End to John O' Groats relay for ... and now he's raising his game (show) by hosting a 24 hour long panel show for .

The whole thing will available to view online via the Red Nose Day website on the weekend of the 5th and 6th March and will then be edited down to 5 x 30 mins shows that will be shown on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three in the run up to Comic Relief's big nightÌý - Friday 18th March when highlight will also be shown on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One.

The Come Fly With Me and Little Britain star said: "This is an amazing challenge. I just hope I don't fall asleep or burst into tears."

24 Hour Panel People is set to be an incredible one off occasion that will require David to be at his comedic best for 24 hours. Throughout the day he will switches between the roles of host, team captain and panellist, along with some other surprising challenges as well.

Joining him are some of the nation’s top comedians celebrating some of the most famous and best loved panel shows from TV and Radio, including Have I Got News For You, Celebrity Juice, They Think It’s All Over, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Just A Minute and many more.

Can David do it?

There will be bespoke rounds that will, no doubt, test his resiliance. We'd choose a Lullaby Lyrics quiz, bank cash for The Sleepiest Link round or make him have a bash at The Zzz Factor karaoke.

What would YOU suggest?

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Over twenty aspiring comedy writers have won places on our Jesting About scheme, which was designed to nurture new talent in the North East.

Bob Mortimer said, "When I launched Jesting About in December last year, I said that some of the funniest people I have ever met are from the North East and judging from the hundreds of comedy ideas, scripts and sketches that have been sent it seems that I was right. There's been a great response and now it's time to get down to business and turn the ideas into reality."

Successful candidates span the North East region, including submissions from Gateshead, Guisborough, Newcastle, South Shields, Stockton on Tees, Sunderland and Whitley Bay.

The winners are as follows:

TV Writing Team - Developing a script for a ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One sitcom.

• Karen Laws.
• Bridget Deane.
• Keith Brumpton.
• Paul Christian.
• Christopher Stanners.

Radio - creating a half hour radio sketch show for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Newcastle and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Tees.

• Gavin Webster.
• John Scott.
• Holly Burn.
• Dave Metcalf, Andrew Kirkwood and Jamie McLeish.
• Rob Gilroy.
• Nitin Kundra.
• Trevor Fox and Joe Caffrey.
• Will and Owen Cooper.

Online comedy.

• Nick Lewis.
• James Harris and Ben Klimmeck.
• Alex Collier.
• Claire Storey
• Lambert (representing Dene Films).
• James Boughen.

Everyone have two months to learn from successful professional funny people like Bob Mortimer, , Ian Le Frenais and Susan Nickson. They will then showcase their pilots to commissioning editors in Newcastle on April 20th.

We can't wait to see what they come up with!

The Newsjack team are hosting a live question and answer session for comedy writers. You can ask them whatever you like. Join in below, or tweet with the hashtag #newsjack and they'll publish a few of your comments along the way.

Newsjack write...

The Newsjack producers and script editor will be taking questions here between 13.00 and 14.00 on Friday 11 February. You'll be able to submit questions from 12.30. Questions will be published and answered one at a time. We'll get through as many as we can during the hour, but we may not be able to answer every question.

Reactions to the news ofÌý West Ham's prospective "move" to the Olympic Stadium.

This new free gift for season ticket holders in 2012/13 should soften the blow.

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A major chain of UK holiday camps has announced a dramatic relaunch in a bid to capture the unique wonder of visiting the House of Mouse.

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Read the rest of this entry

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Tonight, The News Quiz host Sandi Toksvig is joined by Jo Brand, Susan Calman, Jeremy Hardy and Andrew Lawrence.

They'll be examining the merits of the , which launched in England and Wales earlier this week... and then promptly crashed.

Here's a preview of what to expect from the panel this week:

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Listen to The News Quiz on Fridays at 18.30 or Saturdays at 12.30 on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 4.

There's now two comedy podcasts from Radio 4; Friday Night Comedy and Comedy Of The Week. Find out more about the Comedy Of The Week podcast here.