Pointless Celebrities, 5th January

Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 5th January is at 6.10pm.

It features Gail Emms and Matthew Hoggard, Bonnie Langford and Frazer Hines, Dalton Grant and Charlie Stayt, and Helen Lederer and Shaun Williamson.

a-WOOF! Duggee's on Netflix!

Pre-school animation Hey Duggee - narrated by Alexander Armstrong - is now on Netflix.

At the Squirrel Club, Duggee the lovable brown dog has fun activities for children, who earn badges for doing cool things and learning new skills.

Hey Duggee, which has run since 2014, has won numerous awards, including an International Emmy Kids' Award and BAFTA Children's Award. It's witty, charming, and as enjoyable for adults as for children.

TV Experts Pointless Celebrities, 29th December

TV experts are  the participants in Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 29th December, at 7pm.

Taking part are Michael Fish and Carrie Grant, David Grant and Adam Hart-Davis, Mary-Ann Ochota and Martin Roberts, and Charlie Ross and Catherine Southon.

Children's TV Pointless Celebrities, 27th December

There's a repeated Pointless Celebrities at 5.45pm on Thursday 27th December, with a Children's TV theme.

Taking part are Sarah Greene and John Craven, Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood, Cerrie Burnell and Ben Faulks, and Sue Devaney and Richard Holian.

Christmas Pointless Celebrities, 22nd December

This year's Christmas Pointless Celebrities special is on Saturday 22nd December at 6.10pm.

Taking part are Dave Hill and Rob Davis, Sally Lindsay and Roger McGough, Sonia and Jamelia, and Keren Woodward and Sara Dallin.

Broadcast date confirmed for Royal Variety Performance

The Royal Variety Performance, which was recorded last month, will be broadcast on ITV at 7.30pm on Tuesday 11th December.

Hosted by Greg Davies and in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, this year's Royal Variety Performance includes the casts of Hamilton and Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, Take That, George Ezra, Andrea and Matteo Bocelli, Cirque de Soleil, Lost Voice Guy, Rhod Gilbert, Rick Astley, and Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

Also taking part are Alexander Armstrong and the cast of The Imitation Game playing a round of the panel show. According to The Stage's review, it "provided one of the biggest laughs of the evening". Should be good!

Pointless Celebrities, 15th December

On Saturday 15th December at 5.40pm there's a repeated unthemed edition of Pointless Celebrities.

Taking part are Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes, Ellie Taylor and Milton Jones, Jay Rayner and Thomasina Miers, and Paul Martin and Sara Pascoe.

New Danger Mouse shows? Golly, chief!

Series 2 of Danger Mouse, starring the voice of Alexander Armstrong as the world's greatest secret agent himself, continues from Monday 17th December on CBBC with a musical Christmas special.

Our hero is a bit disgruntled to find that though he's saved the world yet again, all anyone wants to talk about is the smash-hit, ice-themed musical phenomenon Melted.

Penfold and Squawkencluck vie to collect the most memorabilia, and even Colonel K joins in singing the film's anthem. Danger Mouse himself hates musicals - possibly due to an unfortunate public humiliation at a singing contest - and can't understand what they all see in it.

But when another huge fan, Pink Dawn, uses the film's plot to settle a few scores he soon has to admit that Penfold is right: Melted isn't just a musical, it's an experience. Inspired by the film's heroine, Dawn decides to melt the North Pole and flood the world. As temperatures and water levels rise across the globe, Danger Mouse realises the key to thwarting her plans is to re-enact the film's finale - but with a crafty rewrite.

Luckily he has the encyclopaedic plot knowledge of Penfold and Squawkencluck to draw on, and the pair, delighted by the prospect of starring roles, work in harmony to guide Danger Mouse to the big set-piece finish. With the world watching - and listening - he must face the music. Can our hero keep his cool, conquer his stage fright and hit the right note - or will the decisive duet prove too hot to handle?

The episode features a host of specially written songs from composer Sanj Sen.

Comedy Pointless Celebrities, 8th December

There's a repeated Comedy Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 8th December, at 5.45pm.

Taking part are Andi Osho and Holly Walsh, Kevin Eldon and Dave Jones, Barry Cryer and Omid Djalili, and Stephen Frost and Helen Atkinson-Wood.

The Imitation Game at the Royal Variety Performance

The Royal Variety Performance 2018 took place on the evening of Monday 19th November, and was recorded for broadcast by ITV some time in December. As always a huge spread of entertainment styles took part, including the casts of Hamilton and Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, Take That, Clean Bandit, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, and last year's Britain's Got Talent winner, Lost Voice Guy.

Alexander Armstrong hosted a round of ITV panel show The Imitation Game which, according to The Stage's review, "provided one of the biggest laughs of the evening".

The performance was attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. More on transmission dates once I have them.

Pointless Celebrities, 1st December

Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 1st December is a repeated unthemed edition. It's at 6.15pm on BBC1.

It features Bob Harris and Chris Difford, Kerry Godliman and Miles Jupp, Jenny Eclair and Linda Robson, and Debbie McGee and Angelos Epithemiou.

Music Pointless Celebrities, 24th November

There's a Music Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 24th November at 6pm.

It features Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols and Slim Jim of the Stray Cats, singer-songwriters Barbara Dickson and Ralph McTell, Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, both from Boyzone, and singer-songwriter / DJ Sonique and singer-songwriter Toyah Wilcox.

Alexander Armstrong will bring your Best Christmas Ever!

Alexander Armstrong will present Best Christmas Ever! for ITV. He'll be joined by celebrity guests who are on a mission to truffle out the elements of the top Christmas.

The show will be filled with fun, chat and live music as Xander’s guests go head-to-head to get their favourite bits of Christmas voted ‘the best’ by the studio audience. Much like the big day itself, there’ll be games, sing-song and polite but firm disagreement as the festive guests battle it out to crown the best ever Christmas food, song, movie and much, much more. Will anyone champion the humble sprout? Can Noddy Holder beat Mariah to claim ‘best song’? And do some people really open their presents after lunch?

The programme will air on Sunday 16th December at 9pm on ITV.

Reality TV Pointless Celebrities, 17th November

Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 17th November, at 5.55pm, is a Reality TV-themed edition.

The contestants are Jennie McAlpine and Phil Tufnell representing I'm A Celebrity, Luisa Zissman and James Hill from The Apprentice, TV vets Steve Leonard and Trude Mostue, and, from Love Island, Marcel Somerville and Amber Davies.

We Are Most Amused And Amazed

We Are Most Amused And Amazed is a spectacular night of comedy and magic from The London Palladium, to celebrate the 70th birthday of HRH The Prince of Wales and raise funds for youth charity The Prince’s Trust.

Reuniting comedians Armstrong & Miller as hosts, the show also features the very best comedians and magicians from Britain and beyond: from the world of comedy, Bill Bailey, Rowan Atkinson, Sandi Toksvig, Omid Djalili, Mischief Theatre, and Alistair McGowan, as well as magicians Penn & Teller, Dynamo, and The Ehrlich Brothers.There are also special appearances from Kylie Minogue, Cheryl, Jim Carter and Wallace & Gromit.

We Are Most Amused And Amazed airs on Tuesday 13th November at 8pm, on ITV.

Pointless Celebrities, 10th November

Pointless Celebrities on 10th November at 6.10pm is a mixed edition, with no special theme.

Taking part are Luisa Omielan and Jenny Powell, John Barnes and Rick Edwards, Sally Phillips and Nina Conti, and Joe Pasquale and Terry Alderton.

Journalists Pointless Celebrities, 3rd November

Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 3rd November, at 6.15pm, is a Journalists special.

Taking part are Eve Pollard and Victoria Derbyshire, Dan Wootton and Lizo Mzimba, Rosie Boycott and Frank Gardner, and Ian Hyland and Jane Moore.

Hey Duggee nominated for BAFTA Children's Award

Hey Duggee, narrated by Alexander Armstrong, has been nominated for a BAFTA Children's Award in the Pre-School Animation section.

Also nominated in the category are Clangers, Octonauts, and Sarah & Duck. The awards ceremony takes place at the Roundhouse, London on Sunday 25th November. Good luck, Hey Duggee!

Sci-Fi Pointless Celebrities, 27th October

There's a Sci-Fi edition of Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 27th October at 6pm.

The teams are classic Doctor Who stars Peter Davison and Katy Manning, Blake's 7's Paul Darrow and Michael Keating, Red Dwarf's Hattie Hayridge and Harry Potter's Jessie Cave, and Star Wars actors Kiran Shah and Jimmy Vee.

Saluting Dad's Army starts 6th November

2018 is the 50th anniversary of the first broadcast of that great sitcom, Dad's Army. As part of their celebrations, Gold channel will be showing a documentary, Saluting Dad's Army, presented by Alexander Armstrong.

The 4-part series will look at the comedy's history and legacy, and explore its enduring huge popularity. Xander said:

I'm thrilled to be involved in marking the 50th anniversary of the phenomenon that is Dad's Army. I've spent a lifetime enjoying the brilliance of Jimmy Perry, David Croft and the extraordinary cast. Now I get to explore everything from the birth of the show to its wonderful legacy and aim to bring fans new insights into the show we all loved so much.

The series starts on Tuesday 6th November at 8pm, on Gold channel.

Hey Duggee nominated for International Emmy Kids' Award

Series 2 of Hey Duggee, narrated by Alexander Armstrong, has been nominated for an International Emmy Kids' Award in the Preschool category.

The other shows nominated in the category come from the UK, Germany, and China. The 28 overall nominees, in 7 categories, span 13 countries.

Winners will receive their award in Cannes, France on Tuesday April 9, 2019. We wish Hey Duggee well.

Alexander Armstrong, Pointless, and The Real Full Monty longlisted for National Television Awards

Alexander Armstrong and two of the programmes he presents have been longlisted for the National Television Awards.

 

Xander is nominated as Best Presenter (as is Richard Osman), Pointless as Best Quiz Show, and The Real Full Monty is nominated in the Factual Entertainment category.

Votes must be in by 11pm on Friday 26th October. The shortlist will be announced in January, and the awards ceremony takes place on 22nd January.

Please cast your votes here. We wish Xander, Pointless, and The Real Full Monty well.

Sitcom Pointless Celebrities, 20th October

Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 20th October, at 6pm, is a Sitcom special.

The contestants are Nerys Hughes, Victor McGuire, Shobu Kapoor, Abdullah Afzal, Guy Siner, Sue Hodge, Perry Benson and Jake Canuso.

Academia Pointless Celebrities, 14th October

There's a repeated Academia Pointless Celebrities on Sunday 14th October, at 4.45pm.

The first pair is punk-rock poet John Cooper Clarke, an honorary doctor of the University of Salford, and historian Suzannah Lipscomb, a Lincoln and Baliol alumnus. TV archaeologist Mark Horton, a professor at University of Bristol, teams up with documentarian Alice Roberts, Professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham. Space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock joins forces with theoretical physicist Jim Al-Khalili of the University of Surrey, and University of Reading's Professor Kate Williams allies with The Infinite Monkey Cage comedian Robin Ince, who shares an alma mater with Kate in the form of Royal Holloway, University of London.

Sport Pointless Celebrities, 13th October

Saturday 13th October's Pointless Celebrities, at 5.50pm, is a Sports special.

The contestants are Chemmy Alcott and James Cracknell, Sally Gunnell and Greg Rutherford, Sam Quek and Greg Rusedski, and Eni Aluko and Neil Ruddock.

Alexander Armstrong to appear in Rotten Romans

Alexander Armstrong is one of the (many) stars appearing in Horrible Histories: The Movie - Rotten Romans, which  features a host of well-known British comedy actors in starring and cameo roles.

Filming is currently underway. The producers say:

Shooting on location in the UK and Bulgaria, Horrible Histories: The Movie - Rotten Romans will transport audiences back to Roman Britain and embrace the timeless madcap humour and tone of Monty Python with the classic cult adventure of Princess Bride.

Along with Xander, the cast will include Sir Derek Jacobi, reprising his iconic role as Claudius, as well as Nick Frost, Lee Mack, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Kim Cattrall, Warwick Davis, and Chris Addison.

The story will focus on 16-year-old Roman Atti being forced to join the Roman army when one of his clever schemes falls foul of Emperor Nero. He is sent to "miserable, cold, wet Britain" where "the natives are revolting - quite literally".

Things go from bad to worse when Atti is captured by Orla, a feisty teenage Celt desperate to prove herself as a warrior. After narrowly avoiding a very sticky end in a bog, Atti uses his Roman know-how to help Orla save her gran who's been kidnapped by a rival tribe. Meanwhile a furious Nero is determined to crush the rebellion, led by Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni. Atti rejoins his Roman troops and discovers they are preparing for an historic showdown with the Celts at the Battle of Watling Street.

The producers tease:

Atti's brains could save the day but they could also spell disaster for Orla as the two new friends find themselves lined up on opposite sides of the battlefield.

Horrible Histories: The Movie - Rotten Romans will be released in cinemas on the 26th July 2019.

Armstrong and Miller reunite to celebrate Prince Charles' birthday

Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller will host a comedy and magic show on October 22nd at the London Palladium, to mark the Prince of Wales's 70th birthday. The night of stand-up and illusions will raise funds for the Princes Trust.

The show, including Rowan Atkinson, Bill Bailey, Omid Djalili, Penn & Teller, and Dynamo, will be recorded for broadcast at a later date, Tickets can be booked here. Xander said:

This is going to be a night from the very topper-most drawer. What a colossal honour it is to be hosting such a dazzling line-up for HRH and best of all I’ll be alongside my lovely old friend Ben thingy.

 Ben added:

Alexander Armstrong and I are delighted to be hosting Prince Charles’ favourite comedians and magicians at the Palladium, and all in a very good cause: relaunching our comedy careers. And raising a few quid for the Prince’s Trust of course.

The logical date for this to be broadcast would be on Prince Charles' birthday, 14th November, but who can fathom the ways of TV schedulers? More info when I have it.

Soaps Pointless Celebrities, 7th October

Sunday 7th October brings a repeated Soaps Pointless Celebrities, on BBC1 at 4.35pm.

Former Coronation Street co-stars Kevin Kennedy (Curly Watts) and Amanda Barrie (Alma Barlow) join forces, while `Barry from EastEnders' Shaun Williamson teams up with ex-Crossroads actor Paul Henry (Benny Hawkins). Emmerdale's Chris Bisson (Jai Sharma) partners former village resident Adele Silva (Kelly Windsor), and Hollyoaks' Gemma Merna (Carmel McQueen) reunites with her on-screen mother Nicole Barber-Lane (Myra McQueen).

Presenters Pointless Celebrities, 6th October

Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 6th October, at 5.40pm, is a Presenters special.

The contestants are Trisha Goddard and Katie Derham, Johnny Vaughan and Toby Tarrant, Anne Diamond and Adam Pearson, and Chris Hollins and Sarah Greene.

Alexander Armstrong to host Have I Got News For You

Alexander Armstrong will present Have I Got News For You on Friday 5th October, at 9pm on BBC1.

The team captains are Ian Hislop and Paul Merton, as always, and the guest panelists are Naga Munchetty and Josh Widdecombe.

Pointless nominated in the TV Times Awards

Pointless has been nominated in the Favourite Quiz category of the TV Times Awards.

Click on this link to vote for Pointless, and your other favourite shows, presenters, and actors. You could win one of 18 £50 Amazon vouchers for voting. The closing date for votes is Monday 22nd October.

We wish Pointless, Xander and Richard, and all the crew, the very best of luck.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy Pointless Celebrities, 30th September

There's a repeated Sci-Fi and Fantasy Pointless Celebrities on Sunday 30th September, at 4.05pm.

Hannah Waddingham - Game of Thrones' imposing Septa Unella - teams up with co-star Gemma Whelan, who plays Ironborn raider captain Yara Greyjoy. Former Harry Potter actor Jeff Rawle (Amos Diggory) throws his lot in with Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley), while David Dixon and Sandra Dickinson, who starred together in the radio version of A Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, join forces. Finally, Red Dwarf's original Holly, Norman Lovett, unites with Hattie Hayridge, who played Holly after a `computer sex change'.

Music Day Pointless Celebrities, 29th September

BBC Music Day is on Friday 28th September. To mark it, Pointless Celebrities will have a special show on Saturday 29th September at 5.40pm, on BBC1.

Taking part are Lianne La Havas, Shaun Keaveny, Amy Macdonald, Chris Hawkins, Ella Eyre, Clara Amfo, Suzy Klein and Lesley Garrett.

Danger Mouse is back!

New episodes of Danger Mouse, starring the vocal talents of Alexander Armstrong as the world's greatest secret agent himself, will be broadcast from Monday 17th September, at 6pm on CBBC.

In the first episode of this series, Twysted Sister, a teenage Squawk goes on the rampage. DM summons her Twistyverse counterpart to talk some sense into her. But he overlooks one vital thing - a twisty Squawk is an evil Squawk!

1980s Pointless Celebrities, 23rd September

There's a repeated 1980s Pointless Celebrities on Sunday 23rd September at 5.50pm.

The contestants are athletes Fatima Whitbread and Robin Cousins, Doctor Who stars Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant, Blue Peter presenters Mark Curry and Peter Duncan, and singers Sonia and Jaki Graham.

Strictly Come Dancing Pointless Celebrities, 22nd September

Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 22nd September at 5.25pm is a Strictly Come Dancing special.

The contestants are Katya Jones and Joe McFadden, Debbie McGee and Giovanni Pernice, Ore Oduba and Oti Mabuse, and Lesley Joseph and AJ Pritchard.

Family Pointless Celebrities. 16th September

There's a repeated Family Pointless Celebrities on Sunday 16th September at 5.45pm (4.45pm in Scotland and Northern Ireland).

The contestants are father-and-daughter actors Robert Lindsay and Sydney Stevenson, singing brothers Merrill and Jay Osmond, married comedians Richard Herring and Catie Wilkins, and former EastEnders actor Richard Blackwood and his sister Sophie Mayers.

Comedy Pointless Celebrities, 15th September

Continuing the new series of Pointless Celebrities, a group of comedians take part on Saturday 15th September at 6.20pm.

Taking part are Rowland Rivron and Simon Day, Hal Cruttenden and Zoe Lyons, Jan Ravens and Stephen K Amos, and Rich Hall and Sara Pascoe.

EastEnders Pointless Celebrities, 8th September

New editions of Pointless Celebrities are back on Saturday 8th September at 6.45pm, with an EastEnders special.

Taking part are Natalie Cassidy and Dean Gaffney, Perry Fenwick and Emma Barton, Lisa Hammond and Luisa Bradshaw-White, and Jamie Borthwick and Madhav Sharma.

Fashion Pointless Celebrities, 2 September

There's a Fashion-themed Pointless Celebrities on Sunday 2nd September at 5.50pm on BBC1.

Brix Smith-Start teams up with Jonathan Phang, Amy Childs joins forces with Sam Faiers, Grace Woodward pairs with Brendan Courtney, and Lee Stafford partners Nicky Clarke.

Pointless returns

Weekday Pointless is back from its lengthy summer hiatus - and it's with new shows.

The date to mark on your calendar is Monday 3rd September, at the usual time of 5.15pm. The last run of new shows ended (strangely) with the first episode of series 20, so this new block begins with show 2 of that series.

The Imitation Game: transmission dates confirmed

The Imitation Game is a hilarious new panel show based around celebrity impressions, and hosted by Alexander Armstrong. Each week team captains Rory Bremner and Debra Stephenson are joined by two other impressionists to take part in a series of fast-moving challenges, re-enact iconic movie scenes, re-voice news footage, blast out some surprising cover versions and put unlikely words in the mouths of all kinds of celebrities.. How would Donald Trump sing a Rihanna song? What would happen if Cher met Nigel Farage?

The first of seven episodes will be broadcast on Sunday 2nd September, at 10.05pm on ITV. I was at the pilot of this and it was really very good. Highly recommended.

Pointless Celebrities, 1 September

There's a repeated unthemed Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 1st September at 8.25pm.

Lucy Porter teams up with Rob Deering, and Rachel Johnson joins forces with her father Stanley. John Shuttleworth unites with Dave Gorman, and Carol McGiffin throws her lot in with Charlotte Crosby.

TV Winners Pointless Celebrities, 25th August

The contestants in the repeated Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 25th August at 8.05pm have won various TV talent contests or reality shows.

MasterChef 2015 winner Simon Wood teams up with his 2016 successor Jane Devonshire, while Lee McQueen, who won the fourth series of The Apprentice, joins forces with Yasmina Siadatan, the ambitious businesswoman who followed him in 2009. X Factor 2013 champion Sam Bailey throws her lot in with Pop Idol series two star Michelle McManus, and Britain's Got Talent-winning street dancer George Sampson bands together with singer and one-time Celebrity Big Brother star  Jermaine Jackson.

Radio Pointless Celebrities, 19th August

There's a bonus repeated Radio Pointless Celebrities on Sunday 19th August, at 4.20pm (4.50pm in Scotland).

Taking part are Toby Anstis and Jenni Falconer, Janice Long and Bob Harris, Peter White and Steve Punt, and Angie Greaves and Steve Penk.

Music Pointless Celebrities, 18th August

There's a repeated Music Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 18th August, at 7.50pm.

The duos are Mick Foster and Tony Allen, Pauline Black and Harvey, Jonathan Ansell and Faryl Smith, and Lee Latchford-Evans and Michelle Heaton.

Saluting Dad's Army

Alexander Armstrong will present a 4-part documentary, Saluting Dad's Army, to mark the 50th anniversary of the show's first broadcast.

It will look at the comedy's history and legacy, and explore its enduring huge popularity, and will be broadcast on Gold channel later this year.

Xander said:

I'm thrilled to be involved in marking the 50th anniversary of the phenomenon that is Dad's Army. I've spent a lifetime enjoying the brilliance of Jimmy Perry, David Croft and the extraordinary cast. Now I get to explore everything from the birth of the show to its wonderful legacy and aim to bring fans new insights into the show we all loved so much.

Writers Pointless Celebrities, 5th August

There's no Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 4th August: instead, Sunday 5th sees a repeated Writers edition, at 5pm.

Liz Pichon teams up with Pam Ayres, Quentin Letts joins forces with Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Jill Mansell partners Jimmy McGovern and Mark Watson allys with Owen Jones.

The Real Full Monty nominated for Grierson Award

The Grierson Awards recognise and celebrate documentaries from Britain and abroad that have made a significant contribution to the genre and that demonstrate quality, integrity, creativity, originality and overall excellence. They are the biggest event in the UK documentary calendar.

The Real Full Monty, presented by Alexander Armstrong and Ashley Banjo, has been nominated in the Best Entertaining Documentary category. The awards ceremony is on 5th November at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. Our very best wishes for the night to everyone involved with The Real Full Monty.

Famous Voices Pointless Celebrities, 28th July

Pointless Celebrities on 28th July, at 7.10pm, is a repeat of the Famous Voices special.

Brenda Longman, the voice of Sooty's panda friend Soo, teams up with Doctor Who's K-9 John Leeson, while veteran game-show announcer Peter Dickson joins forces with Siri's British male voice Jon Briggs. Hollywood trailer narrator Redd Pepper partners seasoned Big Brother commentator Marcus Bentley, and The Archers' Felicity Finch throws her lot in with co-star Emerald O'Hanrahan.