From bearpit to a ‘baby comedian academy’: How Mock the Week launched the UK’s brightest comedy stars

Since it smashed onto our screens in 2005, the panel show with a mildly terrifying reputation has become one of the best incubators for emerging comedy talent. As the final episode airs, Isobel Lewis speaks to host Dara Ó Briain and some of the series’ biggest stars about how ‘Mock the Week’ overcame that ‘elbows out’ atmosphere and what the BBC can offer new comedians going forward