Welcome to The Velvet Onion – the central hub for an interconnected range of alternative comedy and more. Click through for the latest news, and see what’s so hot right now THIS WEEK below…

SMELL THE HOFF

Hoff The Record, Thursday, 9pm, Dave

Tim Downie and Anna Crilly make guest appearances in this week’s edition of Hoff The Record: Dave’s delightful new semi-improvised mockumentary starring David Hasselhoff and Fergus Craig.

For the uninitiated, Hoff the Record focuses on the Knight Rider legend’s attempts at rebuilding his career in the UK. In this fictionalised version of his life, he’s turned to his utterly useless English manager, Max Coleman (Craig), who has surrounded The Hoff with an inexperienced PA, an over-enthusiastic cab driver, and his long-lost illegitimate German son.

This week, The Hoff is in genuinely in demand: as Max has landed him a proposal to use his name on a new, classy aftershave. However, it soon becomes clear that the ad agency isn’t interested in Hoff as a symbol of class, but want to trade off his cheesy image.

Tim Downie – best known for his roles in Toast of London and Paddington guests as the hipster-tastic advertising exec Dylan Turnbull, whilst Anna Crilly – one half of Anna & Katy – turns up as journalist Lucinda Young, who takes issue with comments The Hoff made in confidence.

It’s another dynamite installment of Dave’s bold new show, which is playful with Hasselhoff’s reputation, and willing to make him look dafter than ever before.  And with appearances from Steve Oram (Sightseers, Luxury Comedy), and Simon Greenall (I’m Alan Partridge, Alice’s Wunderland) still to come in this first series, and a second series already confirmed and in pre-production now, this is one you really won’t want to miss.

Catch our exclusive interview with star Fergus Craig over yonder now.

 

A MERCURIAL CAMEO

SunTrap, Wednesday, from 10:35pm, BBC One

Paul Kaye joins Kayvan Novak and Bradley Walsh in this week’s edition of BBC One’s crime-caper sitcom Sun Trap.

Directed by Ben Palmer (The Inbetweeners Movie, Bad Sugar, Star Stories), Sun Trap features Novak and Walsh as former undercover journalists now solving crimes in an island paradise. Also featuring Jamie Demetriou, Emma Pierson and Keith Allen, the series has previously featured guest appearances from TVO regulars Tracy Ann Oberman, Alex Kirk, Morgana Robinson and Simon Day, with Tony Way and Steve Oram set to appear in the sixth episode next week.

Back to this week, however, and Brutus (Walsh), Zorro (Demetriou) and Melody (Pierson) wake up after a heavy night of drinking to find themselves in a prison cell, with no memory of the previous night. It soon becomes clear the trio have been arrested on suspicion of murdering the brilliantly named Spanish tribute singer Elton Juan (Lee Boardman). With his friends locked up, Woddy must make use of his armoury of disguises to infiltrate the home of casino owner Senor Big (Allen), to find out what really happened.  His investigation brings him into contact with Juan’s bitter rival, Frederico Mercury (Kaye).

As ever, Sun Trap has inherited the Count Arthur Strong Wibbly Wednesday timeslot, which means viewers in England and Wales can see it on Wednesday at 10:35pm, viewers in Northern Ireland get to watch at 11:05pm, and viewers in Scotland have to wait until 11:35pm. Alternatively, everyone can see it on Friday night at 11:25pm after The Graham Norton Show.

DIAMONDS ARE A COP’S BEST FRIEND

Undercover, Tuesday, 9:00pm, Dave

Undercover – Dave’s new witty sitcom in disguise as ambitious crime drama returns this week with another top notch episode, once again directed by Dave Lambert (The Mighty Boosh, Common Ground, Alan Partridge).

Starring Daniel Rigby (Eric & Ernie, From There To Here) and Sarah Alexander (Green Wing, Coupling) as dim-witted detectives Chris Anderson and Zoe Keller investigating an Armenian gangster family, the series also features Yasmine Akrin (Sherlock, Stella) and co-writer Sascha Tarter.

The results are an interesting blend of high-octane police procedural drama and Airplane levels of silly wordplay, with a stunning visual look from Lambert and his team, which he detailed in his exclusive interview with TVO last week.

In this week’s episode, Arno and Ara Sarkissian are due at the wedding of the head of the Margarian family’s daughter and are keen to impress, so Chris has to steal a set of diamonds for a present. Find out how he gets on on Tuesday evening at 9pm, or right after Thursday’s edition of Hoff The Record at 9:40pm.

THE FORCE ISN’T STRONG FOR EWAN

Doll & Em, Wednesday, 10:10pm, Sky Atlantic

 

After his debut last week, Hollywood heartthrob Ewan McGregor makes another cameo appearance in this week’s edition of the superlative Doll & Em on Sky Atlantic.

As Dolly Wells and Emily Mortimer’s alter-egos continue to develop their play, Doll’s film plans threaten to put the project into jeopardy. But when McGregor in unable to commit to the movie, the pair are good to go on their production – if they can break their director’s block.

As wonderfully akward and utterly charming as ever, you can catch this week’s episode at 10:10pm on Wednesday evening via Sky Atlantic, and every episode is available on catch-up services now.

BACK TO THE BULLY FOR DAN

Man Down, Monday, 10:00pm, Channel 4

 

 

Channel 4’s wacky sitcom Man Down continues on Monday evening, as ever starring Greg Davis, Roisin Conaty and Mike Wozniak.

This week, idiotic high school drama teacher Dan (Davis) has organised a trip to the theatre for his pupils, but realises too late the play stars his childhood enemy, Geoff Doogan. Meanwhile, Jo (Conaty) has another new money making scheme, Brian (Wozniak) is determined to be published in the local paper, and Aunt Nesta (the sublime Stephanie Cole) tries her hand at helpful role-play.

Produced by Spencer Millman (The Mighty Boosh, TV Burp, Man to Man with Dean Learner), Man Down continues to delight audiences and critics alike, and this week’s episode also features a cameo appearance by acclaimed actor Ramon Tikaram – who Boosh fans will forever identify as Banoo, the frequently late warrior of Xooberon. Oh, and The Proclaimers. No, really.

ARE WE HUMAN? OR ARE WE ONIONS?

Humans, Sunday, 9:00pm, Channel 4 [UK]
Sunday, 9/8C, AMC [US]

Smash hit sci-fi dystopia Humans continues this week on Channel Four, and debuts in America on AMC, with Katherine Parkinson and Rebecca Front part of its impressive ensemble cast.

Set in a world where synthetic human servants are the ‘in’ thing, the lives of a family who buy the latest model begin to unravel, whilst a retired engineer’s paternal relationship with his own Synth is threatened by a malfunction. US audiences have the first episode, featuring a cameo from Dan Tetsell to enjoy this week – with Paul Kaye turning up in Episode Two. US audiences will probably want to skip the next paragraph.

Here in the UK, we’re up to Episode Three, and Laura (Parkinson) tries to get rid of Anita (Gemma Chan), but is forced to reconsider when the synth saves Toby’s (Theo Stevenson) life. Joe (Tom Goodman-Hill) begins to share his wife’s suspicions that there is something strange about Anita when he checks her for damage and finds she appears more human than expected. Elsewhere, George (William Hurt) comes up with a plan to escape his joyless new routine under Vera’s (Front) care, and Pete (Neil Maskell) and Karen (Ruth Bradley) investigate a murder at the brothel – but when Pete loses his temper on duty, he finds himself suspended and stuck at home with Simon for company.

If you’re not watching on tv – and you really should – Humans is also available to pre-order for £14 on dvd now via The Velvet Onion Amazon Store.

 

FAREWELL TO STRANGE & NORRELL

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Sunday, 9:00pm, BBC One [UK]
Saturday, 10/9C, BBC America [US]

As US audiences get to savour the third episode of fantasty epic Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell this week, British viewers must say a fond farewell to the magical duo and their BBC One adaptation, which stars Bertie Carvel, Eddie Marsan, Marc Warren, Paul Kaye, Edward Hogg and many, many more.

In the final episode, England is plunged into chaos as ancient magical forces are unleashed on the world and the dark prophecy of the Raven King looks to be fulfilled. Norrell (Marsan) flees to the safety of his library, but is pursued by Strange (Carvel), who intends to free Arabella (Charlotte Riley) before the Gentleman’s (Warren) curse consumes him. Childermass (Enzo Cilenti) tries to find a way to break the enchantment on Lady Pole (Alice Englert), as Stephen (Ariyon Bakare) is drawn deeper into the sinister world of the Fairy kingdom.

Adapted from Susanna Clarke’s best-selling novel by screenwriter Peter Harness (Wallander, Doctor Who), producer Nick Hirschkorn (Five Children and It) and director Toby Haynes (Doctor Who, Sherlock), JS&MN has been a delightful Sunday night excursion into the otherworldly realm of magic and mystery, and those who stuck with it for seven weeks have fallen in love with its charms.

If you’re one of them, and haven’t yet ordered the series to own, you can pick it up on on dvd and blu-ray now via The Velvet Onion Amazon Store. You can also revisit our recent interview with Paul Kaye about the show, over yonder.

A LITTLE MORE REFORMATION

Horrible Histories, Monday, 5:00pm, CBBC

The new series of Horrible Histories continues this week, with a special guest appearance by Rowan Atkinson as Henry VIII.

Atkinson’s role as the portly king was revealed earlier this year, with his Elvis-tastic musical number released on YouTube to promote the new run.  He joins a number of big name guest stars appearing in this run, alongside Sanjeev Bhaskar, Kathryn Drysdale, Lorna Watson and The Actor, Kevin Eldon.

Also featuring Horrible Histories veterans Simon Farnaby and Jim Howick, as well as the new regulars Jalaal Hartley, Naz Osmanoglu, Jessica Ransom, Adam Riches and Murder in Successville star Tom Stourton, this week’s episode not only tells us all about the English monarch, but we get to learn about Ottoman leader Suleiman the Magnificent in Turkey, and Emperor Zhengde in China.

GO GO GADGET MAN!

Gadget Man, Monday, 8:30pm, Channel 4

It’s the final edition of Gadget Man this week, as Richard Ayoade‘s tech-loving show takes on the various gizmos available for protection and security.

First off, Richard kits the Gadget Man house out with a smartphone-activated lock, scanning visitors with a portable metal detector and putting a robot on patrol. He is also joined by actor Keith Allen to test a wallet tracker, a vest that makes the wearer look more muscular and a bulletproof bag. Finally, he meets up with Bill Bailey at a Cold War era nuclear bunker in Essex to try out a post-apocalyptic survival kit – much of which can also be used for camping holidays or festivals.

ON STAGE THIS WEEK

There’s almost always a chance or two to see a TVO regular on stage, often in London, but occasionally up and down the country. Whilst it’s a quiet week ahead, here’s where you can find them throughout the week.

Monday 22nd June

Lou Sanders and Ed Aczel
Aces and Eights Saloon Bar, London
7:30pm, Free but ticketed
TICKETS

Sarah Kendall, Matt Kirshen, Nish Kumar, Tom Craine, Tom O’Connor & Tiff Stevenson
Old Rope @ The Pheonix, London
7:30pm, £6.60
TICKETS

Thursday 25th June

Lou Sanders and Tania Edwards
The Oval Tavern, Croyden
7:30pm, £4.20
TICKETS

Friday 26th June

Neil Cole, Rudi Lickwood, Bryan Lacey, Francis Foster and Morgan Berry
West Cliff Theatre, Clacton On Sea
7:30pm, £14
TICKETS

AND THE REST…

As always, there’s so much going on within the Velvet Onion, it’s easy to miss things. As well as our News pages, the best way to keep track is via our Twitter feed, so here are a few highlights from throughout the week gone by.

Comedians and promoters set up UK Comedy Guild to aid fellow comics http://t.co/cddEEZYTIe

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 15, 2015

A Boosh veteran directing @Join_Dave‘s new show #Undercover. We caught up with @Daveylambo. http://t.co/eZPOcptxQg pic.twitter.com/He3Wd00VSF

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 15, 2015

Wearing brand new trousers tomorrow. Can’t sleep.

— Rachel Stubbings (@RachelStubbings) June 15, 2015

Channel 4 have dropped the British Comedy Awards in its 25th year. More info & videos from past ceremonies here: https://t.co/ZpXrWPU5wg

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 16, 2015

See Catastrophe couple @SharonHorgan & @robdelaney live at @Herring1967‘s Podcast on 6th July, @lsqtheatre : http://t.co/yTBUNwj2IT

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 16, 2015

10/9 @IAMX returns with @mrkittydm + @nyvesmusic. Presale 6/18. Pword=MACHINE. Onsale 6/19: http://t.co/I5qKstScQS pic.twitter.com/KEPOrz1yvw

— The Fonda Theatre (@FondaTheatre) June 16, 2015

Of course… all that press hoo-har about #Undercover being the FIRST original scripted comedy on @Join_Dave is a tiny bit wrong.

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 16, 2015

#Undercover is the first scripted original comedy SERIES on @Join_Dave but back in 2010 they made the fabulous one-off Zimbani!

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 16, 2015

Sadly, Zimbani never made it to series, but we’ve still got a firm place in our hearts for it. @Join_Dave pic.twitter.com/FO1RHSEyBi

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 16, 2015

“@BigTomD: Great time today on set with the brilliant @mrmichaelsmiley I love the man, he makes me all warm inside! A happy day & no mistake

— Michael Smiley (@mrmichaelsmiley) June 16, 2015

TVO spoke to @FergusCraig about his role in #HoffTheRecord and working with @DavidHasselhoff. http://t.co/4O9XRjZ9wX pic.twitter.com/x6XUPFE2Ow

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 17, 2015

For all of you celebrating Ramadan today, here’s a series of @BBCiPlayer shorts directed by @Daveylambo – http://t.co/s5qxJkKWlZ

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 18, 2015

Just did a chat for the new DVD release of “Dr Terror’s House of Horrors”. Great fun revisiting it.

— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) June 18, 2015

Loving the name change, @Join_Dave. #HoffTheRecord pic.twitter.com/blOGmoeI6U

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 18, 2015

Off to Pinewood for a spray tan. No, you’ve changed.

— rufus jones (@rufusjones1) June 18, 2015

A fine selection of British Muslim Comedy Shorts available now on iPlayer http://t.co/wgx4JitQxM

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 18, 2015

A set of handmade lino prints of characters from A Field In England can be yours: http://t.co/ZAgboMF116 pic.twitter.com/WueUfDWD9x

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 18, 2015

Afternoon tea with @WeeMissBea @Kathbum and @joelycett http://t.co/sOVRREEaW3

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 18, 2015

USA. All episodes of Catastrophe with me and @robdelaney are now up on Amazon. http://t.co/Lpq33w4hq5 We’d love if you watched

— Sharon Horgan (@SharonHorgan) June 19, 2015

OK everyone can stop weeping now, because we’ve made an NMTB board game and you’ll be able to get it from July. Spread the word #NMTBGame

— NMTB (@NMTB_TV) June 19, 2015

Next week, Paul Kaye joins @Kayvannovak1 & @BradleyWalsh in #SunTrap on @BBCOne. See a clip & exclusive pic yonder: http://t.co/LvY7Mbb41r

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 19, 2015

New film Black Mountain Poets with @WellsDolly, @alicelowe, @laura_patch premieres on Mon: https://t.co/chnBAZSsbv pic.twitter.com/lROwO76doo

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 20, 2015

Seance time! Filming “Borley Rectory”: pic.twitter.com/fQehYJO8LS

— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) June 20, 2015

Have you seen this yet? Lovely (and funny) video messages from a host of TVO regulars from earlier this year. https://t.co/rsnRhyVhbJ

— The Velvet Onion (@thevelvetonion) June 20, 2015

Vera. She’s here to take care of you. Humans episode two tonight. Ch4. 9pm: a sneak peek with William Hurt – trailer http://t.co/cGp3SsXc9l

— Rebecca Front (@RebeccaFront) June 21, 2015

Happy Father’s Day! But what is Father? Matt Berry explains >> http://t.co/9yNGzfQux0 @porksmith @RealBobMortimer pic.twitter.com/svsl5WOFpc

— BBC iPlayer (@BBCiPlayer) June 21, 2015