Little Britain wins top comedy award

Quirky sketch show Little Britain, featuring gay comic Matt Lucas and his hetero comedy partner David Walliams, beat the latest venture from Ricky Gervais to take the top honor at this year's British Comedy Awards. The BBC show was named the Best TV Comedy on Wednesday ahead of BBC Four's The Thick of It and Gervais's Extras, his follow-up to the hugely successful The Office.

However, the other shows did not go home empty-handed. Ashley Jensen from Extras beat Tamsin Greig from Channel Four's Green Wing and Catherine Tate for her self-titled show to take the Best Comedy Actress gong. Jensen, who also picked up the Best Comedy Newcomer award, said: "I'm a wee bit speechless, and anyone who knows me knows that's an accomplishment."

Chris Langham, star of The Thick of It, was named Best Comedy Actor ahead of Gervais, Walliams, and Lucas. His show also picked up the Best New TV Comedy honor. ITV1's talent show The X Factor was named Best Comedy Entertainment Program, and The Simpsons won yet another award for Best International Comedy Show, while Festival took the Best Comedy Film award.

"This year's comedy output on television is probably the strongest ever in the 16 years of the British Comedy Awards," said executive producer Michael Hurll. Paul O'Grady beat Ant and Dec to the Best Comedy Personality prize, but the double act did add to their growing list of accolades by taking the People's Choice Award for their Saturday Night Takeaway show. Victoria Wood and Julie Walters were also honored at the star-studded ceremony for their work together over the past 25 years. (Reuters)