Latest news with #LastOneLaughing
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
This might be the funniest TV show you'll ever see – and it's not Fawlty Towers
Last One Laughing, a series recently released on Amazon Prime, might be the funniest thing I've ever seen. The schtick, if you haven't seen it or its endless clips on Instagram, is simply this: ten comedians are stuck in a room for six hours, trying not to laugh. That's it. I mean, it can't be the funniest thing I've ever seen. I've seen Fawlty Towers. I've seen Some Like It Hot, Airplane! and Groundhog Day. I've seen Eddie Izzard doing live stand-up comedy in the 1990s, I've seen Dame Edna host a chat show. An anonymous media source of my acquaintance, often quoted in this column, is the funniest person I've ever met and he's not in this series – so how could it be? It's not painstakingly crafted; it's a studio show which covers a single day and is broken into six half-hour bits. And it's broadly improvised! How could any of that result in the funniest thing I've ever seen? And yet its bang-for-buck, laugh-per-minute rate seems unbetterable; I have laughed without cessation through every episode. And that's speaking as someone ageing, tired and sleep-deprived, juggling children and pets and National Insurance (which I really wasn't when I saw Eddie Izzard doing live stand-up comedy in the 1990s) with a global backdrop that is bleak and riddled with horror, and I'm still laughing without cessation through every episode. So it certainly feels like the funniest thing I've ever seen. I should make it clear: the comics assembled for the series aren't trying not to laugh as a collective. That would be too easy. They are in competition. If anyone chuckles, they're knocked out. So the job of the contestants is simultaneously to make each other laugh while remaining totally impassive themselves. It's a very, very funny idea for a programme. Even if the comedy bits weren't funny in themselves, the importance of their onlookers not laughing would immediately render them so. It brings a wave of the ghastly hilarity we feel when someone whispers a joke during a funeral, or passes you a secret cartoon of the maths teacher. It takes me back to my days at the Edinburgh Fringe (often in the company of some of the people who make this programme), when tickets for everything were about £3 so you could see ten shows a day, finding ourselves reasonably diverted by the comedy acts but only made helpless with painful, unconquerable merriment by amateur opera, or fiery political tub-thumping, or inexpert contemporary dance. The only thing in the world that's funnier than trying not to laugh, or watching someone else trying not to laugh, is someone who's genuinely unamused for reasons of disapproval. 'This is no laughing matter' is one of the funniest sentences in the English language. And that's why the cultural era we're living through, while no doubt the most puritanical and purse-lipped it's been for over a century, is also, in many ways, the funniest. With that in mind, the show is tremendously well cast. It's hosted by Jimmy Carr, the court jester of our age, who has survived attempted cancellation so often that his whole self is a counter-argument to 'This is no laughing matter'. He just stands and stands and stands for the principle that everything is. The contestants are perfect for the game in hand, including some (Daisy May Cooper, Richard Ayoade) whom you'd particularly credit with the ability to keep a straight face, and some (Bob Mortimer, Joe Wilkinson, Judi Love) who are so deeply, naturally hilarious that it's hard not to start giggling before they even speak. This makes for a magnificent tension as the competition gets underway. We see Bob Mortimer putting on a magic show, alive with patter and veils. Lou Sanders performs a piece of expressive mime with someone who may or may not be her mother. Rob Beckett explains the role of a proctologist ('Have you ever had a check up the bum?', he asks; 'A Czechoslovakian?' replies Bob Mortimer, puzzled). Each comedian in turn is obliged to sing Lovin' You by Minnie Riperton, with its high rippling falsetto – and all of it through the prism of fellow contestants twitching and fidgeting as they desperately try not to smile. And then, somehow, the funniest thing of all is Joe Wilkinson delivering an impromptu factual lecture on the 200th anniversary of the RNLI. We all know what it's like to try and quell a laugh that comes when it shouldn't. In a customs queue, just as you've been asked whether you packed your bag yourself. During a work meeting, as you're being told that everyone's being made redundant. In a school assembly, while a guest speaker describes the challenges of their disability. I don't think that comes from the bad part of us; quite the reverse, I think it's a physical reaction to an overdose of empathy. It requires full understanding of the gravity of the scenario; a sociopath wouldn't be tickled at all. It is the very confrontation with humanity that is, sometimes, our undoing. But this wonderful series has found a way to bottle that hilarious resource, the laugh-that-must-be-stifled, without having to lean on cruelty or bigotry or anything off-colour at all. It's not about 'saying the unsayable' or 'jokes you can't make any more'; in fact it demonstrates how the most powerful weapon in the comic armoury is simple silliness. Without spoilers, that is what must and does triumph in the end.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'The gateway drug is having your teeth done': Jimmy Carr on all the cosmetic surgery he's had
Jimmy Carr is famed for his comedy, his distinctive laugh, and some dodgy accounting. But the Last One Laughing host is also known for his love of going under the knife. In a new BBC series, Alison Hammond's Big Weekend, the comedian told the This Morning presenter all about his taste for personal 'tweakments' while the pair relaxed at a London wellness spa, before bracing an icy cold plunge pool. The six episode series follows Hammond as she spends 48 hours with celebrities, including Perrie Edwards and Luke Evans. 'I've had loads done,' says Carr, flashing a smile. 'The gateway drug is getting your teeth done.' Carr says his pearly whites are a full set of veneers placed onto every tooth. His teeth were an insecurity that he was 'hung up about' and fixing them helped improve his self-esteem and confidence. 'It made me smile more, and you do genuinely feel happier, it's very odd.' Carr also details his '14 hour long' hair transplant and says that he's 'done a bit of botox'. Unlike Carr, Hammond reveals she has never tried botox and shocks the comedian during their discussion, reminding him: 'this face can move'. 'Are we buying this?' Carr says to the camera in mock-disbelief. Carr has been candid about his cosmetic surgery in the past. During an interview with friend Stuart Goldsmith at the Savoy Theatre, Carr said he was 'basically in an arms race with Katherine Ryan on plastic surgery', his co-host of Your Face or Mine? His decision to start treatments came out of 'a bit of a midlife crisis' and his desire to stay looking youthful whilst being an older parent. 'Famously you can't avoid death and taxes… I'm trying to do both', he joked. Whilst Carr doesn't claim that botox can magically make you more attractive, he does credit its ability to slow the ageing process. 'Maintaining is the thing,' the 52-year-old told Gabby Logan on her podcast The Midpoint. 'I don't think there's anything you can do plastic surgery wise, or augmentation wise, that makes you look better, you can just sort of stay the same, that's what you can hope for.' Carr is not the only male celebrity to admit to getting cosmetic procedures. Other stars such as Robbie Williams, Rylan Clark and Paddy McGuiness and Made in Chelsea's Miles Nazaire have all spoken publicly about their decisions to undergo enhancing treatments. Male cosmetic surgery is continuing to grow in popularity generally as more men are choosing to enhance their looks through treatments such as rhinoplasty and dermal fillers. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of Botox treatments for men increased by 27% over the past decade, and many men often use the term 'Brotox' on social media in videos and posts about getting procedures done. In particular, a rise in men requesting face and neck lifts seemingly points to a growing interest in anti-ageing procedures, reports the The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street Aesthetics Practitioner and Private GP at Hannah London Clinic, has seen a rise in men opting for treatments. 'As men notice lines, wrinkles, or changes in their physique, the urge to retain a more youthful appearance can become quite strong. This often intertwines with the ambition to boost self-confidence,' says Dr Khan. Although a little tweak here and there is often motivated by wanting to look better, Dr Khan suggests that for some men, choosing cosmetic procedures is for reasons beyond vanity. 'Feeling good about one's appearance can have a ripple effect, positively influencing different aspects of life, from personal relationships to their professional image.' While conversations surrounding botox on social media tend to be female-led, Khan thinks it is important for men to be able to share their cosmetic journeys without feeling judged, and this is helped by celebrities like Carr being candid about their own nip and tucks. 'The influence of celebrities and social media has normalised these procedures and made them more mainstream,' says Dr Khan. 'This has caused a shift in perception and helped reduce the stigma once surrounding male grooming and cosmetic tweakments.'
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Future of smash hit comedy show Last One Laughing is finally revealed by host Jimmy Carr after it was dubbed 'the funniest show ever'
Jimmy Carr has confirmed the future of Last One Laughing after it was dubbed 'the funniest show ever' by impressed fans. The Amazon Prime Video series saw British comedians face off in host Jimmy Carr's challenge as they tried make others laugh while keeping a straight face. Since the debut series launching earlier this year, fans were sent into a frenzy watching the hilarious interactions between the likes of Daisy May Cooper, Joe Lycett and Richard Ayoade Judi Love, Rob Beckett, Sara Pascoe, Lou Sanders, Joe Wilkinson and Harriet Kemsley also took part, but it was Bob Mortimer who ultimately won the series. The panel/reality show crossover was made up of six successful episodes and has finally been confirmed to be returning to the streaming platform for a second run. Announcing the news, Jimmy said: 'I'm absolutely delighted that Last One Laughing is coming back for a second series. 'I think what's happened is someone high up at Amazon has clicked 'subscribe & save' on Prime Video and, hey presto, we're back in business.' He reflected on the joy the previous season brought to viewers, adding: 'I'm so pleased people had as much fun watching the first season as we had making it. 'Can't wait to bask in the reflected glory of the next 10 comedy legends taking on the challenge.' The next instalment is set to be filmed later this year and will hit Prime Video in 2026 in news which is sure to delight fans. The line-up of the next round of comedians set to take on the side-splitting challenge is yet to be released. After its debut earlier this year, the show proved a roaring success with viewers and shot to number one on the Prime Video UK chart just five days after its release. Viewers went wild for the show, begging for a season two and hailing it the 'funniest show in a decade'. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, they said: 'Usually the words 'Have you got a Kitchen Island?' would be just a dull comment. Put it in #LastOneLaughingUk and suddenly I can't stop laughing. Fabulous t.v more please! :-),'; After its debut earlier this year, the show proved a roaring success with viewers and shot to number one on the Prime Video UK chart just five days after its release 'Wow!! My head hurts watching this! It really is THAT funny!! #bobmortimer proving again why he's a national treasure!'; 'Last one Laughing is without a doubt the funniest thing I've ever seen, I genuinely love all ten of them.' There was one moment in particular that made audiences chuckle. During the final joke showdown, comedians Bob and Richard shared a hilarious interaction. Bob quipped: 'I was in the cemetery and I saw a bloke get up from behind a gravestone. "Morning," I said. "No - just having a s***".' The joke was plucked the comic's book and caused Richard to crack up - meaning Bob walked away as the winner. 'What I now realise I'd done was essentially sign up to be in goal and just have someone take penalty after penalty after penalty,' Richard reflected on the exchange. 'I had nothing and he was on a horse opposite me with a pocket full of material.' The show has caused quite a reaction from fans too, who took to social media to share their verdicts. One posted on X: 'Last One Laughing is brilliant. Bob Mortimer is a national treasure.';
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Last One Laughing's future decided by Amazon as host Jimmy Carr speaks out
Last One Laughing had fans all over the country in stitches when it aired earlier this year, and now Jimmy Carr has spoken out about the hit Prime Video Show's future Prime Video's Last One Laughing was a hit when it came out earlier this year. It saw 8 Out of 10 Cats star Jimmy Carr assembled ten of the UK's top comedians in one room with one impossible challenge: Don't laugh. However, in a twist, the host set them a challenge of making each other laugh, although they couldn't chuckle themselves. Although the comedian's couldn't laugh - the audiences were left in stitches. The first series saw comedians Richard Ayoade and Bob Mortimer in the final, and it looks like fans can look forward to yet another hilarious final as the show has been recommissioned for a second series. Speaking about the future of the show, Jimmy said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Last One Laughing is coming back for a second series. I think what's happened is someone high up at Amazon has clicked 'subscribe & save' on Prime Video and, hey presto, we're back in business. "I'm so pleased people had as much fun watching the first season as we had making it. Can't wait to bask in the reflected glory of the next 10 comedy legends taking on the challenge." The second series will see Jimmy returning to the hosting seat alongside a new line-up of comedians which will be announced in due course. Filming is due to take place later this year with the series launching in 2026 on Prime Video worldwide. Last One Laughing UK is the latest adaptation of the successful Amazon Original series from Japan entitled Documental, created by and starring Hitoshi Matsumoto and owned by Yoshimoto Kogyo and has been a hit around the globe. So much so that the format became the most watched title of all time on Prime Video in France, Germany and Italy, and had hugely successful local versions in over 20 territories. Last year's final saw Richard and Bob climb onto Merry-go-round ponies while Bob read from his joke book. However, Richard soon realised that he had made a grave error by allowing Bob to perform jokes. "What I now realise I'd done was essentially sign up to be in goal and just have someone take penalty after penalty after penalty," he said. "I had nothing and he was on a horse opposite me with a pocket full of material," the IT Crowd star said. It was Bob who eventually took the win, with fans claiming the show was the "best piece of comedy they'd ever seen." They're sure to gain a whole load of new laughs with series 2! Until then, fans can catch up with series 1 over on Prime Video.
Metro
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Amazon Prime's 'funniest TV show ever' just got a second series
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page Comedy fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Amazon Prime Video has commissioned a second season of a 'hilarious' show. The streamer has confirmed that Last One Laughing will return after being hailed as the 'funniest TV show ever' by viewers. Hosted by Jimmy Carr and Roisin Conaty, the show sets some of the UK's finest comedians the challenge of not laughing in each other's company. The inaugural UK Last One Laughing starred Bob Mortimer, Daisy May Cooper, Joe Lycett, Judi Love, Rob Beckett, Sara Pascoe, Lou Sanders, Joe Wilkinson, Harriet Kemsley, and Richard Ayoade. Amazon Prime has not yet revealed the fresh batch of comedy talent who will desperately battle to keep a straight face, but did confirm that filming would start late this year. Last One Laughing's second season will be available to stream on the global platform next year. Commenting on the recommission, Jimmy, 52, said: 'I'm absolutely delighted that Last One Laughing is coming back for a second series. I think what's happened is someone high up at Amazon has clicked 'subscribe & save' on Prime Video and, hey presto, we're back in business. 'I'm so pleased people had as much fun watching the first season as we had making it. Can't wait to bask in the reflected glory of the next 10 comedy legends taking on the challenge.' More to follow. Last One Laughing season 2 is coming to Amazon Prime in 2026. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: Amazon Prime ends 10 TV shows in major cull of hit content Arrow MORE: Amazon Prime Video confirms 'worst show ever' is coming back Arrow MORE: 'Devastating' disturbing film based on a true story comes to Amazon Prime Video
