Billy Connolly most influential UK stand-up, says Dave poll
January 30, 2012 9:46am by Such Small Portions
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The Big Yin may have gone quiet in comedy in recent years but his influence lingers on, says a new poll from TV channel Dave.
Billy Connolly has been named the most influential UK stand-up, according to a survey by comedians and the public.
Morecambe and Wise came second and Victoria Wood – the only woman on the list – came third.
Older comedians did well on the list, with only Sean Lock – at number nine – having made his name after the eighties.
Eddie Izzard and Ben Elton complete the top five.
The list was compiled by 100 comedians, including Stephen Merchant, Miranda Hart, Jack Dee and Jason Manford, before being put to the public vote.
Robin Williams topped the list for international comics.
Steve North, channel head of Dave, said: “It is great to see trailblazing stand-ups such as Connolly and Robin Williams get the respect they deserve.
“Both Connolly and Williams have consistently pushed the comedy envelope and while they may have over 40 years of experience between them, they are still the funniest men on the planet.”
Connolly previously topped a poll by Five to find the nation’s favourite comedian.
The new poll was conducted ahead of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival and 2,000 adults took part.
Read our list of the top comedy lists here.
Top 10 British comedians, according to Dave
1. Billy Connolly
2. Morecambe and Wise
3. Victoria Wood
4. Eddie Izzard
5. Ben Elton
6. Peter Cook
7. Les Dawson
8. Lenny Henry
9. Sean Lock
10. Rik Mayall
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