Frank's triumph

British Comedy Award winners

Frank Skinner, David Jason and Johnny Vegas were among the victors at the British Comedy Awards last night

Skinner took the coveted comedy entertainment personality prize, while Vegas won the best newcomer gong for his role in Paul Whitehouse's Happiness.

He said: "I should have lots of people to thank but it could be that it was all down to me and hard work. I would like to thank my mum and dad who couldn't be here because they were at bingo."

Jason was given the lifetime acheivement award, but said his career wasn't over yet: "I have still got a few more things I want to do."

Victoria Wood won the best stand-up category, in which Harry Hill and Bill Bailey were also nominated.

The ceremony, held at the London TV Studios, was bereft of any of the notorious incidents that have propelled previous events into the headlines.

Among the jokes on the night was David Baddiel's: "If I lost the glasses and grew the beard, perhaps I could possibly star in Osama: The Movie."

Graham Norton, whose show won Best comedy entertainment category, said: "God, I'm hungover. Can I be like Dame Thora Hird? Can they bring it to me?"

And Steve Coogan told host Jonathan Ross: "I like your plastic trousers, you look like Iggy Pop's step-dad."

Ross will be among those who may be disappointedby the results. He was nominated in the comedy entertainment personality and radio categories, but will walk away with nothing but his sizeable presenter's fee.

Cold Feet only managed to win the People's Choice award, despire having the most nominations.

The full results are:

Best television comedy actor: Rob Brydon (Human Remains). Nominated: James Nesbitt (Cold Feet), John Thomson (Cold Feet).
Best television comedy actress: Jessica Stevenson (Spaced 2/ Bob and Rose / The Royle Family). Nominated: Hermione Norris (Cold Feet), Lesley Sharp (Bob and Rose).
Best comedy entertainment personality: Frank Skinner. Nominated: Graham Norton, Jonathan Ross
Best comedy newcomer: Johnny Vegas (Happiness). Nominated: Mackenzie Crook (TV To Go / The Office), Lee Mack (The Sketch Show).
Best new TV comedy: The Office. Nominated: Human Remains, The Sketch Show.
Best TV comedy: One Foot In The Grave. Nominated: Coupling, The Office
Best TV comedy drama: Bob and Rose. Nominated: Cold Feet, Happiness
Best comedy entertainment programme: So Graham Norton. Nominated: Have I Got News For You, The Frank Skinner Show
Best international comedy TV show: Seinfeld. Nominated: Frasier, Sex And The City.
Best radio comedy: Dead Ringers. Nominated: The Jonathan Ross Show, The Sunday Format
Best live stand-up: Victoria Wood. Nominated: Bill Bailey, Harry Hill.
Comedy film award: Best In Show. Nominated: Bridget Jones's Diary, Shrek.
The lifetime achievement award: David Jason.
Writer of the Year Award: Russell T Davies.
The AOL People's Choice Award: Cold Feet (Voted by viewing audience)