'The greatest programme ever'

The Office has been named best comedy in the South Bank Show's awards.

It saw off competition from the Brass Eye special on paedophilia and the West End Morecambe and Wise tribute The Play What I Wrote.

At the ceremony, Richard Curtis - writer of such comedy hits as Blackadder and Four Weddings And A Funeral - said The Office was "the greatest programme ever seen".

The show's creator and star, Ricky Gervais, said: ""Did Richard really say that. I'm so embarrassed. I can't believe he said that. It is such an honour."

A second series is set to be screened on BBC2 this autumn.

Curtis was at the event to pick up a special award from host Melvyn Bragg.

Published: 6 Feb 2002