6. Bernard Black Black Books
This is British comedy at its best, as Dylan Morans drunken, anti-social bookshop owner, Bernard Black, terrifies customers in his attempts to be left alone in a world that refuses to accommodate him. His relationship with hapless shop assistant Manny (Bill Bailey) is reminiscent of some great other comedy pairings, such as Basil Fawlty and Manuel in Fawlty Towers. In fact, its not unlike the relationship of the next name on our list with his manservant...
7. Edmund Blackadder - Blackadder
Rowan Atkinson appears twice on this list, playing two very different characters. Edmund Blackadder is the scheming, sadistic protagonist of this historical comedy, each series representing a different generation in the lives of him and his group of companions. The black comedy couldnt be more different to Mr Bean, but is even funnier truly one of the best programmes to ever grace UK TV screens. Tony Robinson, Stephen Fry, Tim McInnery, Hugh Laurie and Miranda Richardson all do excellent work as the supporting cast as well.
8. David Brent The Office
Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais mockumentary The Office revolutionised comedy, moving from the sit-com with a laugh track towards a more realistic (and infinitely more cringeworthy) brand. David Brent is a (mostly) loathsome human being, and you may well be unable to watch some of the scenes hes in out of embarrassment. The Office was short and sweet, lasting only for two seasons, but remains one of the funniest shows ever made. It also kick-started the career of Martin Freeman (currently starring in Sherlock and The Hobbit), for which we can all be thankful.
9. Karen Brockman - Outnumbered
The only child to make the list, Karen is the youngest of the Brockman family depicted in Outnumbered, a fairly realistic portrait of British family life. Ever capable comedy performer Hugh Dennis plays her father, Pete, and Claire Skinner plays her long-suffering mother, Sue, but its Karen who gets the most laughs out of the audience with her outrageous comments and deadpan delivery.
10. Hyacinth Bucket Keeping Up Appearances
Its pronounced Bouquet, insists Hyacinth of her surname, and aptly sums up the premise of BBC classic Keeping Up Appearances: a woman continually trying to climb the social ladder. While one feels sorry for Hyacinth on occasion (especially with regards to her son Sheridan, who calls only when he needs money), her attempts to disguise her working class origins and her snobbish nature make for an unsympathetic - but highly amusing - character. Patricia Routledge really delivers an outstanding performance, capable of carrying a scene all by herself, and Clive Swift does a good turn as her long-suffering husband Richard.