We look at the sketch show's roots in music hall and post-war radio, which paved the way for short-form comedy's growth - and influenced Paul's Arthur Atkinson character.
Paul Whitehouse continues his tribute to the best of sketch comedy with the biggest names to emerge in the decade - including Victoria Wood, Lenny Henry and Fry & Laurie.
We head into the 1990s, when Paul Whitehouse arrived on-screen with pals Harry Enfield and Vic & Bob - alongside Victoria Wood, The Real McCoy and Goodness Gracious Me.
Our journey through sketch comedy concludes with everyone from Little Britain to League of Gentleman to Catherine Tate setting the pace - and pushing the barriers of taste.