It may have only ran for twelve episodes, but John Cleese's Fawlty Towers left enough of an impact to be named best British sitcom in a survey by 100 professional comedians, which included the likes of David Baddiel, Jenny Eclair and Alexei Sayle.

The 1970s sitcom was written by and starred John Cleese and Connie Booth as well as the late Andrew Sachs. It managed to win by a third of the vote, beating out I'm Alan Partridge, Blackadder and our own Father Ted (it was broadcast on Channel 4).

Steve Coogan was also named favourite male comedy actor while Joanna Lumley was named favourite female comedy actress.

Coogan's Alan Partridge also nabbed best comedy scene for the time he discovered a room dedicated to himself in a superfan's house.

The survey was conducted by TV network Gold ahead of the launch of new series We Have Been Watching, which will look at past and present British sitcoms and sketch shows.

Comedy critic Bruce Dessau, who compiled the survey, said: "We are well-known across the world for our 'British sense of humour', which is shown at its best in many of our best-loved and timeless comedy classics.

"The art of comedy is almost impossible to define, but many of these characters, lines and sitcoms are brilliant examples of the very best in the history of British TV comedy - many of which can all be enjoyed again in a fresh take on the new series We Have Been Watching, as some of the top comedy folk share their views on the funniest moments telly has to offer."