Comedian Julian Clary has described David Tennant's record-breaking debut on the BBC Radio 4's quiz show Just A Minute as 'the verbal equivalent of a record-breaking pole vault' performed by someone who was a stranger to the pole.'

The Broadchurch and Doctor Who star talked about Shakespeare's famous stage direction - Exit, Pursued By A Bear - through 60 seconds without once being interrupted. There was not even a trace of repetition, hesitation or deviation in Monday's programme.

It is believed to be the first time in the nearly 50-year history of the show that a contestant has made such a fluent and faultless debut.

Clary praised the Scots actor when he wrote in a newspaper column: "Tennant had managed to do something unprecedented in the show's 50 year history and we all knew we had seen something brilliant and thrilling."

After making the pole vaulter comparison, he continued: "Tennant's command of the airwaves may not quite go down in history alongside Edward VIII's abdication speech, but for the many Just a Minute fans around the world it isn't far off."

Clary said Tennant was determined to succeed where other debutants had failed.

He added: "There really was no inkling of what he was about the achieve. By comparision it took me about 10 years to get the hang of JAM (Just A Minute)."

Tennant had been invited on by host Nicholas Parsons, who thought his "natural delivery" would be ideal for the show.

Parsons said: "A newcomer, coming on in this very difficult game, we make it sound easy for the listeners. And it is very difficult. Well done... I think you can relax now David."