As MPs gathered after the half-term break, you could hear the question whizzing around the building: “Do you know who they are?” The reference was to a mystery story festooned across the front of the Mail on Sunday about an extramarital affair between two unnamed famous people.

The Mid-Beds MP hoped she would leave a political impression. She hasn't

So the BBC is to bring back magic shows on Saturday night. And being the Corporation of today, they plan to do it in full, interactive style. There will be three of the world's leading magicians competing against each other with ever more elaborate tricks before a studio audience, who will give them the thumbs up or down each week. And to give it an educational twist, viewers will be able to press the red button to learn how to do their own tricks at home. "A truly spectacular Spectacular," says the head of Shine TV, the glossily named company producing the show.

Analysing humour, it has been said, is a bit like dissecting a frog. You can do it – but the frog dies in the process. So it is probably not wise to try to explain exactly why a one-liner by Tim Vine has been named as the best joke at this year's Edinburgh Fringe.

The magnificent ruby reign of circus royalty

Television comedian Dave Gorman spoke to The Independent Online about his hidden talent for rock balancing, his passion for darts and the time he saw Tony Bennett urinating. His new show 'Genius,' will air on BBC 2 in September.

She was one of the brightest stars of British variety, and she's worked with everyone from George Formby to Sir Ian McKellen. Now, after a remarkable 40 years on the set of 'Coronation Street', Manchester's oldest barmaid is looking forward to her 90th birthday

An alternative take on the election

As Danielle Trussoni's thriller 'Angelology' lands to compete with Dan Brown, Peter Stanford looks at the literary revival of heavenly creatures – and the authors who claim to know them

Ted Durante was the Tommy Cooper of strongman acts, whose valiant efforts to lift a weight, or balance a tray of drinks on the end of a pole, usually collapsed into disaster.

Some incumbents of No 10 really have tormented colleagues. This one is just bad-tempered – and bad at his job

The 'runaway wardrobe' of the 1970s is now an award-winning speaker – and he always shoots from the lisp

More than a talking head

Everything the Prime Minister touches turns to base metal and the government benches are in fatalistic mood