JONATHAN WATSON says Judy Murray aced her appearance on Only An Excuse?
And after Andy had the best year of his life with title triumphs and a record third Sports Personality Of The Year award, his mum will end 2016 on a high.
She guest-stars in one of BBC Scotland’s Hogmanay highlights in a sketch alongside “Frank McAvennie”.
“Because of Andy’s achievements and Judy’s high profile we asked if she’d do a sketch and she said ‘yes’ right away,” says comedian Jonathan.
“She said she was a big fan of the programme. She was great, a real professional. She knew her lines, which is more than some actors. She found it hard to keep a straight face in the first couple of takes with me as Macca but she absolutely nailed it.
“I love watching Andy play and what he’s achieved is amazing.”
Rangers manager Mark Warburton, Gers flop Joey Barton and new Celt Brendan Rodgers all feature. And Jonathan reveals that with hairpiece and white tooth enamel in place, the similarity to the new Celtic boss caused plenty of comment.
There was even more of a hairpiece for President-elect Donald Trump, whose excesses make him hard to spoof.
“With everything he comes out with it’s not that much over the top,” says Jonathan.
“Don’t get me started, though. It’s fair to say I’m not a fan.”
This is the 23rd year we’ve had Only An Excuse? but Jonathan reveals that it’s never guaranteed to be re-commissioned. And he usually has to wait for months to find out if he’ll be doing it again.
“I certainly don’t know if we’ll be doing next year. We approach every one fresh and try to come up with the best sketches and gags.”
If it does indeed return – and it’d be highly unlikely not to – Jonathan will have plenty of thoughts.
“I’ve already got three things noted down on my iPhone.
“When I see or hear something I just jot it down so I don’t forget.
“The programme bears little resemblance to when it started. That keeps it enjoyable because we’re not resting on our laurels.”
While Jonathan might not be certain about another Only An Excuse? he already knows he’ll be making more Two Doors Down.
A third series of the BBC2 sitcom, also starring Arabella Weir, Alex Norton, Doon Mackichan and Elaine C. Smith, was confirmed on Monday.
“It’s little slices of ordinary life that the writers find humour in,” adds Jonathan. “It’s a joy to do.”
Only An Excuse? BBC1 Scotland, Hogmanay 11pm
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