Comedian Alan Carr has topped a survey of the UK's most famous comedians. Based on research into public responses 97% of the nation has heard of the chatty stand-up, whose early life has recently been turned into the hit ITVX sitcom Changing Ends.

David Walliams also scored 97% in terms of fame but he rated slightly lower in terms of popularity. The Little Britain star is probably less known as a comedian these days and better known as a children's author and former Britain's Got Talent judge.

Placing third in the poll, which was carried out by YouGov, was After Life star Ricky Gervais and fourth was Peter Kay. Gervais has just announced a massive tour of his new show, Mortality, while Kay currently has a show every month at the 02 Arena until next April. 

The highest placing woman was Jo Brand, who was sixth and was recongised by 95% of those questioned, the same figure as Harry Hill (fifth) and Jimmy Carr (7th).

Alan Carr's Saturday night family favourite quiz Picture Slam returns this weekend on Saturday, September 28, BBC One at 5.30pm.

More info on YouGov here