A new series heralds the return of many familiar characters. !n the first show, a world exclusive as Pavarotti becomes goalkeeper to the Italian football team.

Abbot brings another prime selection of favourite characters to this week's show.

An array of comic characters bursts onto the screen as Abbot introduces Britain's chaotic and confused Thick Family Robinson.

Abbot treats viewers to a heavyweight Madonna, a lightweight bullfighter and some monkey business in between.

Russ opens the floodgates on a torrent of new comic characters in tonight's show, with features on scouting made impossible, hair loss, plus Barratt Holmes solves another case.

Join the comedian for breakfast, meet a melancholy monkey and countdown the days to a summer holiday. You are all invited - Uncle Tom Cobleigh included!

Russ has more trouser trouble, the Thick family are back and there's hilarity from Count Dracula.

It's not easy taking an elephant to the vet's, as Russ Abbot discovers. Basildon Bond has another mystery to solve.

Tonight comedian Russ Abbot sorts out a marital problem by being 'rewound', performs an electric Spanish flamenco and passes messages for the 'Light Brigade'.

Russ Abbot boldly goes where no man has been before - yes, it's Spock with the ears; and an expectant father can't believe his eyes when he identifies his baby.

The Thick Family Robinson is involved in more hilarious happenings, and there's the premiere of the Smell of Music.

The Fatman returns with his most popular character 'The Mountie' in the final show of the series.

With special guest Les Dennis The excesses of Christmas Day are only too obvious when an overweight Peter Pan teaches Wendy how to fly. There's hilarity at sea on a tilting ship, a photographer causing havoc at a wedding and a re-creation of Hans Christian Andersen. This festive edition of comic situations from the multi-talented Russ Abbot features Bella Emberg , Tom Bright , Sherrie Hewson , Lisa Maxwell and Barry Craine.