The Character Files

A writer's writer with a poet's ear. Wood's songs and sketches turned everyday northern life into national treasure.

The Bolton storyteller who turned family weddings, biscuits and 'garlic bread?!' into record-breaking arena comedy.

The writer and performer who turned working-class family life into sitcom poetry with The Royle Family, and created one of British television's most unforgettable hosts in Mrs Merton.

The founding father of modern British satire: a Cambridge Footlights star who co-created Beyond the Fringe and The Establishment, helped shape and bankroll Private Eye, and redefined what comic intelligence could sound like.

The wild-eyed godfather of British alternative comedy: a human firework who turned student anarchy into sitcom gold with The Young Ones, The New Statesman, Bottom and Blackadder.

The character actor behind Alan Partridge — the vain, thin-skinned Norwich broadcaster who became one of the great British comic creations, and the Oscar-nominated writer of Philomena.

The taller, bespectacled half of Morecambe and Wise, and the beating heart of Britain's most-watched comedy double act. Eric turned a slapped cheek, a paper-bag trick and a knowing glance to camera into the national language of Christmas.