Kay is number one for laughs in Britain

Published on Sunday 30 November 2008 19:58

PETER Kay has been voted the UK's best comedian – while Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand are among the least popular.

Almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of people questioned believe that the Bolton comic, who recently starred as Geraldine in spoof reality TV show Britain's Got The Pop Factor... And Possibly A New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly On Ice, provides the most laughs.

Catherine Tate, who was most recently seen alongside David Tennant as the Doctor's companion Donna Noble in the latest series of Doctor Who, was the fourth most popular comedian. She came ahead of Rowan Atkinson, Dawn French and Jack Dee.

Meanwhile, Ross and Brand – who came under fire during the recent Andrew Sachs pranks calls row – came second and eighth respectively on the list of the worst comedians. They were joined by Victoria Wood and Ricky Gervais, despite his success with award-winning sitcoms Extras and The Office and a burgeoning movie career.

The nation's second favourite comic was slapstick comedy actor Lee Evans with almost a fifth (19 per cent ) of the vote.

Star of The Sunday Night Project, Alan Carr, gained third place with 12 per cent of the vote.

A survey of 3,000 adults was conducted for the Co-operative Bank's internet bank www.smile.co.uk last month.