Would I Lie To You? is back for its 14th series

Usually, telling porkie pies is frowned upon, but not in the world of Would I Lie To You?

The comedy panel show has been running since 2007 and this week returns to our screens for its 14th series.

So, if you want to know astounding facts such as whether or not Bob Mortimer can really pull an apple apart with his bare hands, or if Mel Giedroyc once licked a patisserie item before serving it to David Bowie at the cafe where she once worked just so she could feel close to him, this is the programme to watch.

Of course, some people are terrible at fibbing – they’re the kind you would love to play at poker because their faces give away everything – while others are natural born liars and are really difficult to catch out.

It’s those who fall into the latter category who are usually the most successful participants on this show.

For those who have somehow managed to miss all previous episodes, the format is simple: adjudicator Rob Brydon looks on as team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack, accompanied by their celebrity guests, attempt to bamboozle the opposition by passing off outrageous stories and anecdotes as the truth.

Some are actually facts, but others are so bizarre they might just be telling the truth…

It’s all played for laughs, of course, but you may end up looking at various stars in a whole new light as they successfully pull the wool over everyone’s eyes.

When the show began back in 2007, it was hosted by Angus Deayton in his panel show return following his axe from Have I Got News For You.

He presented the first two series before Brydon (who had been a guest during the second run) took over – he’s stuck around ever since.

Mitchell was drafted in to replace Alan Carr who had been a team captain during the pilot episode but declined a chance to appear when filming began in earnest – as the show has become a huge hit for the BBC, it would be interesting to find out if he’s regretted his decision.

Mack is the programme’s true stalwart, and the verbal sparring between him and Mitchell is often one of its highlights – while Mitchell plays the oh-so-middle class intellectual, Mack is the working class underdog; a kind of Alan Davies to Stephen Fry in the original QI.

The two shows seem to share guests, with the likes of Rhod Gilbert, Jo Brand, Richard Osman and Jimmy Carr appearing on both, although Would I Lie To You? does tend to include famous faces from the worlds of showbiz and sport too.

Taking part in the opening episode are comedian and actor Les Dennis, quizmaster, author and all-round good egg Richard Osman, broadcaster Alice Levine and comedian Lou Sanders. But which of them will be crowned Liar of the Week?

And if you’re wondering about the claims posted by Mortimer and Giedroyc, which were mentioned earlier in the article, wonder no more – they are both true!

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