John Cleese, who starred in the iconic series Fawlty Towers, has been named as the most influential British comic of all time. The 75-year-old actor, part of the Monty Python group, beat legendary comics David Jason, Rowan Atkinson and Ronnie Barker to claim the accolade. Jason, 74, who famously played Delboy Trotter in the cult series Only Fools and Horses, came second in the public poll, just ahead of Mr Bean and Blackadder star, Rowan Atkinson. John Cleese, pictured here as Basil Fawlty, has been named as the most influential British comic of all time The 75-year-old is known for his roles in Fawlty Towers (left) and Monty Python, particularly his Ministry of Silly Walks (right)
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The 75-year-old pipped David Jason to clinch the top spot in the public poll
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Atkinson, who played Mr Bean, and Ronnie Barker came third and fourth
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Others in list include Ricky Gervais, Dawn French and the late Rik Mayall
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Steve Coogan, James Corden, Peter Kay and Miranda Hart also featured
'Shows like Monty Python and @placeholder will be watched by the nation for years to come, and the recent Monty Python live show proves how successful and popular it really is.