Skinner wins battle of the funnymen

Comic Frank Skinner has claimed victory in the battle of the TV funnymen at the British Comedy Awards 2001.

Skinner took the comedy entertainment personality prize beating rivals Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton, last year's winner.

But camp Channel 4 presenter Norton did not leave empty-handed, as his show So Graham Norton scooped the best comedy entertainment programme award.

Actor David Jason, famous for his role as Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, was presented with a lifetime achievement award.

Other winners included One Foot in the Grave, which beat relative newcomers Coupling and The Office to the title of best TV comedy.

But the big loser of the night was Cold Feet, which failed to win four nominations, and only scooped the AOL People's Choice Award which was voted on live during the show by the home audience.

Stars John Thomson and James Nesbitt were up against each other for best comedy actor, but lost to Rob Brydon for Human Remains, while the show was up for best TV comedy drama and one of its stars Hermione Norris for best actress.

Jessica Stevenson was voted best television comedy actress for her roles in Spaced 2, Bob and Rose and The Royle Family while best comedy newcomer was Johnny Vegas for Happiness.

The best new TV comedy was The Office while Bob and Rose won best TV comedy drama.