Ed Byrne on the set of the Tesco Mobile ad campaign
Ed Byrne thinks 'Mock the Week' is "more relaxed" than it used to be.
The 41-year-old comedian - who has made more guest panellist appearances on the topical celebrity game show, which is hosted by his best friend Dara O'Briain, than anyone else - is pleased the stars on programme have chilled out because he used to feel it was a battle to get his jokes across on the series.
Speaking from the set of the new Tesco Mobile ad, in which Ed stars, he exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "'Mock the Week' is more fun off-camera. On camera everyone is vying for their space. It's a bit more relaxed than it used to be, it's opened out a bit more. I think people are freer and easier.
"You can have a chat about a subject without feeling someone is waiting to jump in and interrupt you. It has calmed down a little bit in that way."
As an experienced guest panellist on the show - which sees the players giving answers on unexpected subjects on the spur of the moment - Ed is shocked show bosses haven't introduced some of his suggested "simple" format changes.
He added: "I'm surprised they've never just offered a question to one team and let them discuss it and then throw it to the other team. That seems like a very simple format tweak, but they're very reluctant to do it.
"They like the idea of, 'What do all six of you reckon to this?' I've suggested it a million times but nobody listens to me on that show.
"I think they want it to be more of a free for all."
Comedian Ed Byrne can make a joke out of anything. Unless that thing is Tesco Mobile. Why? Because there's nothing funny about Tesco Mobile. To check out exclusive behind the scenes footage from the new ad featuring Ed visit Facebook.com/tescomobile or follow @TescoMobile
Tagged in Dara O Briain