Vegas names comedy heroes

Johnny Vegas says his comedy heroes are Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson and Ken Dodd.

The comic's influences are revealed in a new Radio 2 series starting later this month.

And he also cites Sean Lock, Alexei Sayle, Victoria Wood and Reeves and Mortimer among his favourites.

Vegas says Dawson was on particularly fine form "when he rubbished the prize on Blankety Blank" and admires Sayle because "he is politically aware, but would do sketches about otters".

The eight-part series Talking Comedy, which debuts on Radio 2 on May 25, also includes clips of the comedian's comedians at work.

Vegas's selection also includes extracts from The Fast Show, featuring his favourite characters, Ralph and Ted.

Published: 13 May 2002