Radio Times readers have voted ‘Mrs Browns Boys’ the best British sitcom of the 21st century, beating Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s ‘The Office’. Over 14,000 votes were cast in the online poll, but many viewers weren't happy with Brendan O’Carroll’s sitcom taking the top spot.

Mrs Brown's boysMrs Browns Boys’ has been voted the best British sitcom of the 21st century

‘Mrs Browns Boys’ has been a ratings winner for the BBC since it began in 2011, but the sitcom has never been a hit with critics. On Twitter users were quick to voice their anger at the poll's result, despite it being decided by a public vote.

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One user wrote: ‘Mrs Brown's Boys has been voted best sitcom of the century? That's the first time it has actually made me laugh.’ Another added: ‘The news that Mrs Brown's Boys has been voted the comedy of the century might signal the moment when we stop asking for people's opinions.’

After hearing the news, the show’s creator and star Brendan O’Carroll told the Radio Times he was “lost for words”. “It vindicates the fans’ belief in the show,” he added. “They have kept us on the air — it certainly wasn’t the reviewers.

“There is an audience out there that comedy forgot — that 'Are You Being Served?' audience has been left behind. Us winning this award proves that.” In second place was Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s critically acclaimed ‘The Office’.

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In third place was ‘Peter Kay’s Car Share’ which began broadcasting last year. Kay also made another appearance in the top 10 with ‘Phoenix Nights’. At number four was BBC Two’s ‘Count Arthur Strong’ while Channel 4’s ‘The IT Crowd’ came in at five.