Les Dawson: The Lost Tapes

ITV, 9pm

For the many viewers and fans with fond memories of Les Dawson (right), it’s impossible not to laugh at the ribald faces he would pull, his out-of-tune musical turns at the piano and, of course, the endless mother-in-law jokes that would today fall foul of political correctness.

This documentary looks back to Dawson’s heyday, when he would routinely top the ratings on primetime TV with his own variety show or present popular favourites such as Blankety Blank, while new footage reveals what life was like for the comedian in private, away from the studio and the stage.

Interviews with Dawson’s wife and daughter shed light on his complex personality, while Omid Djalili is among the stars who voice their appreciation of his brilliance and craft all those decades ago. ★★★★★