'Only gay': best line ever?

Little Britain catchphrase tops poll

The Little Britain line "I'm the only gay in the village" has been voted the best catchphrase ever.

As well as Dafydd's protestation, the show has two more catchphrases in the top 20, perhaps demonstrating the short memory span of those quizzed rather than the longevity of the line.

Tommy Cooper's "Just like that" came second in the poll, voted for by viewers of UKTV Gold, with Homer Simpson's "D’oh!” third.

However, those compiling the survey also included two misquoted catchphrases, suggesting the list might not be all that definitive.

The Fast Show’s “Suits you, sir,” at number 6 is actually “Suit you, sir” in the show.

And Oliver Hardy never said: “Well here's another fine mess you've got me into” to Stan Laurel  – it was always “another nice mess”.

The list also contains a couple of lines that have been said only once on screen – Alan Partridge’s “Back of the net!” and Peter Kay’s “Garlic bread, I've tasted it, it's the future” from Phoenix Nights

Only three American lines are in the list. UKTV Gold controller John Keeling said: "This poll shows that the Brits are best when it comes to coining memorable, funny catchphrases.”

  1. I'm the only gay in the village - Dafydd in Little Britain
  2. Just like that - Tommy Cooper
  3. Doh! - Homer Simpson in The Simpsons
  4. Lovely jubbly - Del Boy in Only Fools And Horses
  5. Yeah, but no, but yeah but - Vicky Pollard in Little Britain
  6. Suits you, sir - The Fast Show
  7. Drink, feck, arse - Father Jack in Father Ted
  8. I don't believe it! - Victor Meldrew in One Foot In The Grave
  9. Garlic bread, I've tasted it, it's the future - Peter Kay in Phoenix Nights
  10. I have a cunning plan... - Baldrick in Blackadder
  11. Well here's another fine mess you've got me into - Oliver Hardy to Stan Laurel
  12. I'm a laydee - Emily Howard in Little Britain
  13. No, no, no, no, yes! - Jim Trott in The Vicar Of Dibley
  14. Stupid boy - Captain Mainwaring in Dad's Army
  15. I'm free! - Mr Humphreys in Are You Being Served?
  16. Back of the net - Alan Partridge
  17. Oooh Betty! - Frank Spencer in Some Mothers Do Ave' Em
  18. Is it coz I is black? - Ali G
  19. Yeah baby! - Austin Powers
  20. You wouldn't let it lie! - Vic Reeves

Published: 12 Jan 2005

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