Top 10 Panel Show Moments

We’ve all heard the adage that you should never work with children and animals. Well, Jimmy Carr discovered this to his cost when he brought kittens onto the set, as a distraction for contestants. At first it works a charm. But then the kittens turn the tables on him with hilarious results. And in their bid for freedom, the felines facilitate their escape efforts with remarkable precision. It seems that eight out of ten cats prefer not to be cooped up in a basket.

Ian Hislop and Piers Morgan are the best of bitter enemies. So, sparks fly from the moment Morgan, then editor of the News of the World, jokes about his questionable journalistic strategies. Later, when Morgan’s asked to pick the odd one out, his attempt at a joke backfires spectacularly. And. as hostilities between the him and Hislop simmer, Morgan foolishly tries to enlist the audience as an ally. It’s almost enough to have us feeling sorry for Piers. Almost.

Following a question about athletes as babies, the audience is treated to various childhood photos of the panelists. And for Freddie Flintoff’s turn, there’s an immediate reaction. The photograph proves the comedy equivalent of an open goal, as James, Jamie, Jack and co. quickly fill their boots. And even though Freddie’s convinced that the snap isn’t of him, his protestations only make things worse - as it’s left to Jack Whitehall to have the final say.

Having earlier described Mr Blobby as “evil”, Jack Whitehall’s less than thrilled when the “Noel’s House Party” character appears for this “Big Fat Quiz” finale - and chaos rules. After an over-enthusiastic hug, Jimmy Carr asks Blobby a rather personal question. And, when Claudia Winkleman struggles with the highest grossing film of the nineties, he’s on hand to give a generous clue. But, if you thought this guy’s entrance was impressive (and Jack certainly didn’t!), just wait until you see him leave.

It’s facts and falsehoods next, as the “Would I Lie Yo You?” panel try to convince each other that they are somehow related to a guest individual. Unfortunately, the story for this particular guest gets Lee Mack into trouble from the off. And though Rob Brydon tries to get him back on track, Mack knows that the game is up. Eventually, Lee does get his words out correctly, but most of the material is fit only for the outtakes. And, it seems his problem is contagious - as Rob comes a cropper, too.

“Buzzcocks” host Simon Amstell was renowned for ridiculing his guests, and Preston from The Ordinary Boys is his victim here. After teasing him mercilessly throughout the show, Amstell begins to read from the autobiography of Preston’s then-wife, Chantelle Houghton. But, judging by the look on Preston’s face, it is fair to say he doesn’t see the funny side. Amusingly, the other panelists make no effort to coax the singer back once he’s bolted; Bill Bailey just replaces him with a lookalike audience member.

We’re hitting the ‘Headliners’ section of this quiz, as panelists ponder what the initials ‘T.F.H.C.’ could stand for - and Frankie Boyle sets the tone for everything that follows. Unsurprisingly, Frankie’s answer is incorrect, but the other panelists quickly catch the cursing bug. And as the swearing reaches Gordon Ramsay levels, Dara tries to help the teams along. But there’s little the host can do when this lot are in full flow!

In 2012, Jimmy Carr made front-page news for his part in a tax avoidance scandal. But the show must go on, and the “8 Out of 10 Cats” anchor hosted his next episode as usual… Only, Sean Lock, Jon Richardson and the rest of the panel were ready with a long line of gags, gripes and ruthless comments. Lock gives some helpful suggestions for Carr’s potential change of career, while Richardson seems angriest of all. But, to his credit, Jimmy takes it on the chin, offering no excuse for his actions.

During this “Too Hot for TV” feature, the “Mock the Week” producers specifically instruct the comics not to make jokes about David Blunkett being blind. Naturally, those guidelines are completely ignored - with Hugh Dennis leading the charge. Frankie Boyle immediately joins the fray, for a relentless few minutes which leaves Dara with the impossible task of maintaining a semblance of order. Moral of the story? Never tell a comedian what they can and can’t joke about.

In 2002, the then-host of “Have I Got News For You?”, Angus Deayton, was caught up in a cocaine-fuelled scandal involving a prostitute at a hotel. And it’s not long before Ian Hislop and Paul Merton stick the boot in. This episode sees the team captains take every opportunity to twist the knife deeper, jumping on everything Deayton says to make the ridicule even worse. The host grins and bears most of the barrage, but by the end of the show he looks desperate to get off-stage.