International TV honour for Mackenzie Crook's sitcom

Mackenzie Crook’s Detectorists has won the prestigious international Rose d'Or Award for best sitcom.

The BBC show, which has come to an end after three series, saw off competition from fellow nominees The Windsors, The Young Offenders and Magda Macht Das Schon! from Germany.

Crook did not attend the ceremony in Berlin, so the award was picked up by BBC comedy controller Shane Allen and executive producer Jim Reid.

In the comedy category, a Swedish musical about the refugee crisis triumphed over Cunk On Britain, Germany’s Trixie Wonderland and Belgium’s Lip Synch Stories.

Ab Fab star Joanna Lumley was given a lifetime achievement award and said: ‘I can't tell you what it means to me. It's an absolute thrill, something I would never have dreamed of.’

German satirist Jan Böhmermann was named entertainer of the year. In 2016, the comedian was at the centre of a major diplomatic row after mocking Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a man who ‘fucks goats and watches child pornography’ – and was placed under police protection following threats from Erdogan supporters.

Rose d’Or organiser Jeroen Depraetere said: ‘Not only has Jan made a huge impact in Germany but his biting satire has been an international hit too and this award recognises his global impact and enormous talent and creativity.’

Last year's recipient was James Corden. 

The Rose d’Ors are given out by the European Broadcasting Union, an alliance of 72 public service broadcasters – and the organisation behind the Eurovision Song Contest.

Last night’s ceremony was held at the Axica venue next to the Brandenburg Gate, and was attended by around 400 industry luminaries. 

Published: 14 Sep 2018