Connolly tops favourite comic poll

Billy Connolly has been named Britain's favourite comedian.

The Big Yin beat Morecambe and Wise into second place and Peter Cook into third in the London Comedy festival poll.

The survey also revealed that Graham Norton as the clear favourite among under-25s, while Eddie Izzard, who only came in seventh. was the the women's choice.

Around1,700 people voted in the online poll, and the results contrast strongly with a similar survey conducted by Chortle in January. Peter Kay, who topped the Chortle poll, didn't even make the top 16.

The full results are:

1. Billy Connolly
2. Morecambe & Wise
3. Peter Cook
4. Graham Norton
5. Tommy Cooper
6. Spike Milligan
7. Eddie Izzard
8. Lee Evans
9. Reeves & Mortimer
10. Benny Hill
11. Jo Brand
12. Rik Mayall
13. Two Ronnies
14. Tony Hancock
15. Rowan Atkinson
16. Paul Merton

Published: 22 May 2003