Britain's top 4 classic sitcoms revealed - and No.2 is controversial

Britain's top four sitcoms have been revealed in a new poll. The Rest Is Entertainment surveyed more than 2000 people across the UK, asking them to choose their favourite sitcom from each decade between the 1970s and 2000s. The winners then competed in a four-way national final. In at number one was Only Fools and Horses, which received 33% of votes. The sitcom ran from 1981 to 2003 and still holds a cherished spot in the hearts of British comedy enthusiasts today. Only Fools and Horses centres around the lives of Del Boy Trotter (David Jason) and Rodney Trotter (Nicholas Lyndhurst), and their various plots to strike it rich.

The BBC series hitting the top spot is hardly a surprise, as it is often regarded as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. But the same can't be said for number two, which isn't often included in the debate. Britons voted Mr Bean as their second favourite sitcom with 19% of votes. Rowan Atkinson's portrayal of the character entertained audiences throughout the 1990s and is one of the most recognisable British TV series all over the world.

In third place with 23% of votes was the iconic Fawlty Towers. Despite the series only lasting for two seasons, consisting of 12 episodes between 1976 and 1979, it continues to be a staple in British TV.

BBC viewers watched the chronicles of no-nonsense hotel owner Basil Fawlty, portrayed by John Cleese. Gavin and Stacey was awarded the fourth and final spot, with 14% of Brits voting it as their favourite sitcom.

The beloved BBC series first hit screens in 2007 and lasted for three series until 2010. Gavin and Stacey returned for two Christmas specials, with the show officially concluding on Christmas Day last year.

The poll results did not only reflect Britons' sense of humour, but also mirrored their political stance. The unexpected star of the sitcom world was Reform UK, leading the vote among fans of everything from Fawlty Towers to Benidorm.

Labour finds its audience among The Young Ones and Father Ted, while Mr Bean fans lean Green.

Luke Tryl, UK Director at More in Common said: "Peckham might be a Labour stronghold, but among fans of its most famous fictional residents - the Trotters - Reform is miles ahead, leading Labour by 16 points with Only Fools and Horses enthusiasts.

"And Reform's reach doesn't stop there. From Barry to Billericay, Nigel Farage's party is eight points ahead of Labour among Gavin and Stacey fans. Labour's only safe seats seem to be in the IT department, and they're holding up fans of Mr Bean (which might not be a comparison the Prime Minister will welcome)."

He added: "Meanwhile, the Tories have been pushed back to their rural village heartlands, scoring one of their best results among fans of The Vicar of Dibley."

Full analysis out Friday 8th Aug - exclusively for members of The Rest Is Entertainment. Sign up at therestisentertainment.com