Making a big impression

Ronnie Ancona and McGowan as Posh and Becks

Alistair McGowan is a guest on the final On Side of the series, BBC One Monday 9 April 2235 BST

Alistair McGowan has made a big impression in the past year.

The popular comedian was recently awarded Best Comedy Entertainment Award at the 2000 British Comedy Awards for his series Alistair McGowan's Big Impression.

His most famous impersonations include David Beckham, Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen, and news reader Huw Edwards.

McGowan as Tim Henman

Other sporting take-offs include Prince Naseem Hamed, Gary Lineker and Tim Henman.

Most famous for his comedy, Alistair is also an acclaimed actor, winning rave reviews at the Nottingham Playhouse for his role as 'Clov' in Samuel Beckett's Endgame and more recently in the West End play Art.

After studying Music and Drama at university, Alistair began working as a stand-up comic playing clubs up and down the country, including London's Comedy Store.

He soon became known for his impersonations and from 1992 to 1996 worked on Spitting Image, providing voices for characters including Tony Blair, Chris Eubank and Prince Charles.

Alistair's upcoming appearance on On Side is the latest in a long line of television appearances, including Parkinson, The Stand-up Show and The Royal Variety Performance.

The comedian is also familiar to BBC Radio listeners where he has worked on Radio 4 programmes The Nick Revell Show and First Impressions, and Radio 5 Live's The Game's Up.

Some of Alistair's most popular work is his re-voicing of video footage, which has appeared on The Sports Review of the Year and Match of the Day, and on two best-selling videos

He has a loyal fan base in Scotland, who know him principally for his sporting impersonations, and his involvement in Only an Excuse.

Alistair is currently recording his new series of Alistair McGowan's Big Impression for BBC One to be screened from April 2001.