50 YEARS OF BBC2 COMEDY BBC2, 9pm BBC2's 50th birthday backslapping began in April, but who can blame the powers-that-be for making the most of its milestone anniversary?

This backslapping celebration is also a reminder that this is the show which managed to put Red Rum in an elevator but couldn't get a Paralympian in a wheelchair onto the stage.

Insider says: That unusual noise you can hear in Edinburgh's more upmarket dining rooms and bars is the sound of glad-handing and backslapping - tempered with deep sighs of relief.

So, in addition to the backslapping of a century and a half that shaped the entire game, 2013 will deliver a judgement on Hodgson's management.

Cue a pratfall, some backslapping, laughter and then an angry word or two.

So settle back and enjoy the last of the series as more special guests take part in the offbeat backslapping gong show.

SETTLE back and enjoy, as more special guests take part in Matt Lucas' offbeat backslapping gong show.

The Brit Awards 2012 ITV1, 8pm With 17 million global sales by January 2012 alone, Adele's 21 should do well at this year's backslapping ceremony as it's up for Best British Album of the Year.

Emanuel was a consummate Washington insider who thought that even the president was not above deal making and backslapping.

British Academy Film Awards (BBC1, Today, 9pm) andThe Brit Awards 2011 (STV, Tuesday, 8pm): The backslapping season gets underway with the two big awards shows.

Zack says you don't have to lake being a backslapping extrovert if you learn to use the tools to adopt a style that is true to who you are.

The 33-year-old added: "I don't think there's too much backslapping going on within the group.

A cynical way of looking at it perhaps, but these annual backslapping shindigs often have those of us at home screaming "they don't deserve it!" at the screen.

The big laugh of the night followed a circle of men first backslapping, then face-slapping, then all-out brawling.