MSN Entertainment poll highlights the most iconic television showsThe hilarious hotel mishaps of Fawlty Towers have secured the 70s sitcom its place in British history as a third of Brits (30%) vote it the most iconic TV show of all time, according to a poll of more than 3,000 TV fans by MSN Entertainment. (entertainment.uk.msn.com).To celebrate the forthcoming British Academy Television Awards, MSN voters were asked to travel back in time to vote for Britains most iconic TV shows ever. Despite only being commissioned for 12 episodes, Fawlty Towers topped the poll with 30% of the votes, beating other comedic gems Blackadder (26%) and Only Fools and Horses (16%). Basil Fawlty, John Cleeses hotel manager from hell, also takes the crown as Britains favourite male television character, securing 42% of votes, followed by Cockney wheeler dealer Del Boy who came in second place with 23% of the votes.The Luvly Jubly Trotters brothers, Del Boy and Rodney, top the list as the most iconic screen duo in British TV history with 31% of the votes, narrowly beating the legendary Two Ronnies (29%) and Basil and Sybil Fawlty (17%) Classic crime drama, Inspector Morse has investigated its way to the top of the list as the drama Brits would most like to see back on our screens (21%), beating critically acclaimed Cold Feet (17%) and fellow police drama, Prime Suspect (16%).Dawn Frenchs hilarious portrayal of the Rev. Geraldine Granger in The Vicar of Dibley, has been voted the most popular female television character by a third of Brits (33%) beating Ab Fab favourite Patsy Stone (22%) and Barbara Good (15%).MSN Entertainment Editor Mike Lok says: As the most prestigious awards in the British Television industry, we wanted to give voters a chance to honour the cream of British television favourites prior to this Sundays ceremony.
With so many unforgettable comedy moments, Fawlty Towers is a deserved winner and a popular choice as it sits itself amongst the most beloved sitcoms in Britains Comedy history.
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Vote for your favourite and see our live blog on the BAFTA TV Awards on April 20th from 8.00pm to 10.00pm at http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/
The results of the 2008 online poll are below:
MSN Iconic Television Shows
Comedy Fawlty Towers 30%
Drama Inspector Morse 21%
Favourite male television character Basil Fawlty Fawlty Towers 42%
Favourite female television character The Rev. Geraldine Granger The Vicar of Dibley 33%
Most iconic on-screen duo Rodney & Del Boy Only Fools and Horses 31%