as the most poweful man in comedy

Ricky Gervais has lost his position as the most powerful person in British comedy to Graham Norton.

The chat show host has moved up from number three in the Radio Times list on the back of his deals to front a Saturday night show for BBC1 and a series of programmes for Comedy Central in the States.

Peter Kay was named as the second most powerful person leaping from number 15 last year.

Gervais is now third, followed by Jonathan Ross and BBC1 controller Lorraine Heggessey.

New entries include Little Britain stars Matt Lucas and David Walliams, sharing the number 10 position.

Of Gervais, the magazine said: "After the all-conquering year that was 2002, Gervais and writing partner, Stephen Merchant couldn't sustain the same level of achievement in 2003."

Published: 12 Jan 2004