Alan Partridge has been chosen as Britain's Greatest Comedy Character in a special programme on the Gold Channel.
The panel of judges chose the character played by Steve Coogan over Del Boy who came second and David Brent who came third.
The jury was chaired by actor and comedian Sally Phillips and included comedy performers Shappi Khorsandi, Nina Wadia, John Thomson, Peter Egan, Lucy Beaumont, Marcus Brigstocke Emily Atack, writer David Quantick and critic Grace Dent.
A public vote helped shortlist a top 30 and, over the course of a three-hour show, the panel battled it out in a heated debate to identify who should take the number one spot.
The result came as a suprise to many, although as at least one person pointed out on social media the programme on Gold scheduled immediately after the results were announced was an episode of I'm Alan Partridge.
Greatest Comedy Character Top Ten
1. Alan Partridge
2. Del Boy
3. David Brent
4. Blackadder
5. Basil Fawlty
6. Fleabag
7. Rick (The Young Ones)
8. Fletcher (Porridge)
9. Victor Meldrew
10. Frank Spencer
