ON LAST NIGHT’S TELLY

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On the very same day that Lenny launched this three-part look at the increase in diversity in British TV comedy over the years, the NTAs lists featured just two comedians of colour, Mo Gilligan and Romesh Ranganathan.

So it appears there’s still a long way to go. Lenny must be hoping this series will give the process a timely nudge.

He certainly provided enough reminders in last night’s opening episode, which focused on diversity in sitcoms.

Tonight’s episode is all about stand-up, while tomorrow’s focuses on sketch shows – both featuring contributions from Stephen K Amos, Meera Syal, Paul Whitehouse, Richard Blackwood, Gina Yashere, Javone Prince and Richard Curtis. Hopefully, Lenny will have found some more great clips for us to watch.

I was laughing out loud at last night’s selection, particularly those from C4’s ground-breaking barber shop sitcom Desmond’s and Lenny’s own creation, Brixton pirate radio station DJ Delbert Wilkins, pictured, from Lenny’s 1980s BBC1 sketch show.

Understandably, clips from Mind Your Language, Love Thy Neighbour and Curry And Chips provoked a different reaction. To be fair, even in 1969 ITV realised Spike Milligan blacking up and speaking in a cod Pakistani accent was unacceptable.

Curry And Chips was taken away after one series.