Manning named most despised comic

Bernard Manning has been named as Britain's most hated comedian.

In fact, the comic dinosaur is one of the top 20 worst people living in Briton, according to a Channel 4 poll.

He came in at number 16, one place below Anthea Turner, in the run-down announced last night.

Britain's second most despised comic was Jim Davidson - number 20 in the full list.

But, as if to provide balance, the next most despised comic has a stand-up viewpoint diametrically opposed to Davidson and Manning's - alternative comedy standard-bearer Ben Elton.

The comic turned novelist and writer of Queen-based musicals came 65th in the bottom 100, as unveiled by comedian Jimmy Carr.

Frank Skinner was the only other comic to make the cut, coming in at number 70.

The poll was topped by Tony Blair, closely followed by pneumatic model Jordan, who greeted the news with: "Eat your apple pie."

It's believed she meant "humble pie".

Published: 11 May 2003