The Gold Channel's quest to find Britain's Greatest Comedian has prompted varied responses from comedy fans and comedians alike.
The final top ten, chosen by the judges Roy Hudd, Sally Phillips, Stephen Mangan. (back row L-R) John Thomson, Darren Harriott, Ronni Ancona, David Quantick, Boyd Hilton, Nina Wadia was as follows:
1. Stan Laurel
2. Victoria Wood
3. Billy Connolly
4. Peter Sellers
5. Eric Morecambe
6. Steve Coogan
tied with...
6. Ricky Gervais
8. Spike Milligan
9. Peter Kay
10. Ken Dodd
Rik Mayall fans were horrified that the late star of The Young Ones didn't make the top ten, finishing at number 29. Actor James Dreyfus was outraged, tweeting: "Rik Mayall! Number 29???? It’s RIK FUCKING MAYALL!!! #comedyGOD. And @southenddave tweeted: "A group of comedians I hardly recognise have just voted Rik Mayall below Michael McIntyre, Jo Brand, Lee Evans, Stewart Lee and Eddie Izzard!!! Okaaaaaay!!"
Others were surprised that Rowan Atkinson and John Cleese failed to hit the top of the chart. Cleese came in at number 12 and Atkinson at number 20.
There were also questions asked about Dublin-born Dave Allen's eligibility. @irishchaz47 tweeted: "BRITAIN'SGreatestComedian Dave Allen Are they having a laugh?" And including a large Irish flag in their tweet. Allen came in at Number 21.
Others complained that greats such as Les Dawson and Bob Monkhouse did not even make the top thirty.
One person who had no complaints about the result was Ricky Gervais, who tied with Steve Coogan in sixth place. He tweeted: "So this means I must be Britain's 2nd Greatest Living Comedian behind Billy Connolly. Happy with that"
