Basil tops comedy poll overseas

Fawlty Towers has been voted the top British sitcom by foreign viewers - including viewers in Germany.

The classic show topped an international poll carried out by BBC Worldwide.
Germany was among the countries which voted for the Seventies sitcom despite the famous goose-stepping scene in which John Cleese's Basil cries: "Don't mention the war!"

Viewers around the world were asked to name their favourite BBC comedy.
Keeping Up Appearances, starring Patricia Routledge as super-snob Hyacinth Bucket, was second.

Blackadder Goes Forth came in third place, followed by Absolutely Fabulous, Yes Minister and The Vicar of Dibley.

Coupling was the most up-to-date offering in the poll, in seventh place, while The Office failed to make the top 10.

Only Fools and Horses may have topped a recent poll of British viewers, but international audiences only rate it eighth.

Are You Being Served and One Foot In The Grave completed the top 10.

Some of the sitcoms have different names when broadcast abroad.

Coupling is re-named Sexy Six in France, while in Poland The Vicar of Dibley is known as The Vicar in Stilettos. Absolutely Fabulous translates as Totally Hysterical in Sweden.

In Finland, Fawlty Towers is called Pitkan Jussin Majatalo - which translates as Tall John's Inn.

And dopey Spanish waiter Manuel changes nationality when the show is broadcast in Spain. He is Manuel the Mexican in most of the country, while in the Basque region he is an Italian called Manolo.

The sitcoms are shown in more than 100 countries on the BBC Prime entertainment channel, which is part of BBC Worldwide.

BBC Prime boss David Weiland said: "Classic comedy is a big winner internationally and we are delighted Fawlty Towers has come up trumps yet again."
Japan will become the latest country to receive Fawlty Towers and other British comedies when the BBC launches a new channel there in December.