´óÏó´«Ã½

Ìý

We'll be backstage at the tomorrow night (9pm, Channel 4). Before they kick off, we've asked top comedy writer (Miranda and Not Going Out) for his predictions...

It's BCA time! Alright, that never caught on. The British Comedy Awards are upon us - that time of year when we see just how much the host can insult everyone in the room, although this year Ricky Gervais has already set the bar at the Golden Globes.

I write for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two's Miranda, which delightfully has been nominated for four awards, so obviously I'm rooting for that all the way. I won't be at the do, as I'm off touring my new stand-up show.

I've been to the awards once before (typically the one year they didn't broadcast it) for ´óÏó´«Ã½ One's Not Going Out, and yes it's as raucous there in person as it looks on TV. Ego after ego prove themselves bigger than any you'd find in a large-print Latin textbook, but looking down the list this year I can't find a single one who shouldn't be there. What a good year for British comedy. Backpattery all round.

So, some predictions, other than that it'll overrun and Jonathan Ross will try to out-Gervais Gervais:

Best Comedy Panel Show is always tricky, because I've seen each nominated show be better than the others, depending on the guests. Could be any of them. Let's give it to Would I Lie To You for being the new boy at school. HIGNFY and Shooting Stars don't need awards any more.

I think Charlie Brooker will make a popular choice for Entertainment Personality, and indeed Newswipe for Entertainment Programme, even if his co-nominees Ant and Dec (as one), Harry and Graham all notch up bigger audiences. Give it to Brooker. I'd like to hear how sardonically he can say thank you.

David Mitchell for Best Male Comic? He doesn't seem like a 'comic', since that implies an act, and he makes it look so effortless. So I'd give it to him.

Sarah Millican has to walk away with either Best Female Comic or Best Breakthrough. If anyone can, Millican. (I'm copyrighting that for T-shirts.)

Can it be true that Armstrong and Miller have never been nominated? Give them an award just for waiting so long.

I loved Four Lions, so am delighted that Kayvan Novak and Nigel Lindsay are nominated... I'll tune in just to see the clips (I really should just buy the DVD).

I've no idea why Best Comedy Actor has four nominees rather than three like every other category, but then who can choose between Capaldi, Buckley, Hollander and Brydon? Me. It's Capaldi.

And this new catchily-titled 'People's Choice Award For The King Or Queen Of Comedy'; (forever to be known as The BCA PCAFTKOQOC)... Well it's always dangerous, giving people any choice – see The National Television Awards next Wednesday for what wrong things happens then.

I'm waving the Mirandic flag, but of course Michael McIntyre has redefined what it means to be popular. I don’t know if comedy needs a king or queen though. I think comedy should be a republic. Or an anarcho-syndicalist commune. As for Best Sitcom, Best New Comedy, The People's Choice, and Best Comedy Actress?

I've told Miranda to break a leg... just not via a comedy pratfall on the way to the podium.

UPDATE: ´óÏó´«Ã½ Comedy will be at the awards! Watch this space and follow us on and for behind-the-scenes fun stuff from the ceremony (Saturday night, 9pm on Channel 4).

Check out Paul Kerensa's website.

Watch our British Comedy Award Collection of clips from nominated shows.

Visit the official website for the .