Great duos have been an integral part of mass popular culture for decades, but why do the public love them so much? And why have so many successful double acts ended up hating each other? Cannon and Ball are among those who shed light on famous comedy fall-outs, with further contributions from Mike Winters and David Baddiel , while Little and Large and Vic Reeves discuss their more successful partnerships in showbiz. 

Stephen Fry charts the rise of comedy as an entertainment form, from its days at the foot of the billing in Edwardian music halls to the growth of the sitcom and the fame now enjoyed by some successful acts. The programme examines the influential role of northern working men's clubs and how alternative comedy fought racism and sexism in the 1980s. Moving up to the present day, there's a look at the huge success of shows such as The Office and Little Britain that has brought celebrity status to its performers. With contributions from Victoria Wood, Bruce Forsyth, Roy "Chubby" Brown and David Baddiel.