36. Richard Richard Bottom
Rik Mayall is at his flamboyant best here, and its a pleasure to watch the perpetually optimistic, pompous, perverted Richie Rich. His relationship with flatmate Eddie is highly disturbing, as the two swiftly change dynamic between the kind of bickering reminiscent of a married couple , violent fights, and a mother and sons relationship (as Richie cares for Eddie and tucks him into bed every night). It does however make for compelling viewing.
37. Rupert Rigsby Rising Damp
Leonard Rossiters landlord from Hell, Rupert Rigsby, is one of the truly unforgettable comedy creations that seem almost timeless. British comic protagonists are often rather pathetic individuals, and Rigsby is no exception. Patriotic, extremely right-winged, suspicious of anything outside his own sphere of interest (although the character would have been irredeemable if he didnt grudgingly accept successful new black tenant Philip into the circle) and possessing an unrequited interest in female tenant Miss Jones, its Rossiters unique physical presence that really makes Rigsby memorable.
38. Arnold Rimmer Red Dwarf
It was difficult to pick which Red Dwarf character would make the list, as theyre all hilarious for different reasons. Rimmer is an unpopular, anal-retentive coward who believes that every major battle in history has been won by the side with the shortest haircuts. When casting the American version of the show, Chris Barrie was invited to reprise the role as supposedly nobody who wasnt British could hate themselves enough.
39. James Randolph Royle The Royle Family
The Royle Family reunited Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston (who had previously played a married couple in Brookside), as husband and wife Jim and Barbara Royle, heads of the television obsessed Manchester family The Royles. James Jim Royle is chronically lazy and grumpy, spending his days in the armchair watching the television and berating his family members.
40. Sheila Sabatini Surgical Spirit
Surely one of the scariest (and consistently funny) characters on this list. Played superbly by Nichola McAuliffe, Sheila Sabatini was a senior surgeon and main character in the hospital-based sit-com Surgical Spirit. The show, which ran from 1989-1995, charted Sheila's days on the wards, and offered an entertaining look at the rivalries, vendettas and complications of life in hospital, with the focus firmly on the (worryingly eccentric) staff rather than the patients. Sheila is a domineering, aggressive, yet somehow likeable protagonist, and her run-ins with colleagues often take the form of quick-fire one liners and pithy put-downs.