Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things

Andrew Mensah, South-East London comic who jokes about padel and celebrity run-ins. Ben Shephard, TV presenter with a fondness for fizzy drinks and drinking rituals. Pierre Novellie, internationally toured comic who recalls thunderstorms and growing up in Johannesburg. Shane Todd, Northern Irish comic who riffs on boy bands and early-career tales. They trade funny stories about sport, nostalgia, travel and drinks.

Dara O Briain, Irish stand-up comic and TV presenter known for Mock the Week, shares funny anecdotes and personal favourites. He talks touring tales and venue bragging. He explains his love of fountain pens and handwritten notes. He recalls debating leading to comedy and describes his night-time writing bursts, dancefloor cues and multilingual gig plans.

Andrew Mensah, comedian, podcaster and TV presenter known for sharp stand-up and the podcast We Saw That. He tells tales of playing padel with Wayne Rooney, the cultural pride of trainer collecting, and competitive Articulate nights. He reflects on leaving gang culture behind through curiosity, how class shifts tastes, and how football and community shaped his journey.

Ben Shephard, upbeat TV presenter known for Tipping Point and This Morning, chats about his love of fizzy drinks, commuting on limo bikes, and prepping for a Men’s Health cover shoot. He also talks about launching a men’s skincare brand and podcast, his fondness for cardigans, and touring live shows with Kammy.

Pierre Novellie, a sharp stand-up comic and podcaster, shares his quirky passions. He raves about beef rituals and steak lore. He explains why gaming and puzzle worlds comfort him on tour. He champions fiction and urges more reading, especially for men.

Stevie Martin, Taskmaster star and comedian who admits to sofa envy. Harry Enfield, veteran sketch comic who rhapsodizes about the humble wig. Amy Gledhill, stand-up and podcaster celebrating cheap white bread sandwiches. Charlie Higson, author and comic exploring the romance of the Voyager probes. Short, quirky highlights of interiors, wigs, sandwiches and space.

Shane Todd, a high-energy Northern Irish stand-up and podcaster, makes a passionate case for bananas and shares quirky banana trivia. He celebrates the joy of pottering and keeping sock drawers tidy. Nostalgic love for 90s/00s boy bands and stories of karaoke and touring life add charm and laughs.

Stevie Martin, comedian and Taskmaster regular, reflects with sharp wit and warm honesty. She chats tour life and gig-rating rituals. She ruminates on handwriting, rigatoni devotion, sea air for perspective, interior-design indecision, and why a Pyrex jug feels like putting down roots. Quick, funny, and unexpectedly introspective.

Harry Enfield, a celebrated British comedian, actor and writer behind characters like Loadsamoney and Kevin the Teenager. He recalls punk beginnings, mopeds and the origins of his iconic sketches. He talks wigs and touring, the changing landscape of big sketch shows, views on the monarchy and politics, and a surprising take on assisted dying.

Amy Gledhill, award-winning stand-up and podcaster from Hull, chats about touring life and writing new material. She shares surreal stories from moshing to working in the York Dungeon. Conversations range from comfort rituals like hairdryers and cheap white bread to launching dating-focused podcasts and life on the road.