Billy Connolly has been named the UK's most influential stand-up comic of all time (probably to the surprise of few people in Scotland).
The 69-year-old Glaswegian comedian and actor beat the likes of Morecambe and Wise, Peter Cook and Victoria Wood to top the poll of 2,000 people, which commissioned by TV channel Dave for the Leicester Comedy Festival.
Among 100 comics who compiled a shortlist were Stephen Merchant, Jack Dee, Miranda Hart, Jason Manford and Jo Brand.
Connolly, who was influenced by the likes of Chic Murray, was followed by double-act Morecambe and Wise in the top 10. Victoria Wood was third, as well as being the only woman in the top 10.
Eddie Izzard came fourth, followed by Ben Elton, Peter Cook, Les Dawson, Lenny Henry, Sean Lock and Rik Mayall in tenth place.
Meanwhile US star Robin Williams – a friend of Connolly’s – took top honours for the international comics.
Steve North, head of TV channel Dave, which commissioned the poll, said: "British stand-up is there with the best in the world... It is great to see trailblazing stand-ups such as Billy Connolly and Robin Williams get the respect they deserve.
"Both Connolly and Williams have consistently pushed the comedy envelope and whilst they may have over 40 years of experience between them, they are still the funniest men on the planet."
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