Got to be Basil Fawlty for me. Don't mention the war. You started it. No I didn't, you started it when you marched into Poland.
I used to look forward to seeing the rearranged letters on the hotel sign at the beginning of each episode re- Watery Fowls, Flowery Tw*ts etc.
Personal favourite is Norman Stanley Fletcher, a big fan of Ronnie Barker generally. Although I do love Paul Whitehouse doing Rowley Birkin QC.
Basil would win it for me. Some good characters mentioned above & would have to add Margot from the Good Life, as there are few female nominees in there.
Andrew Rollo was the inspiration for Rowley Birkin, met Paul Whitehouse on an Icelandic fishing trip. 25 seconds in and through to the end.
Mr Hardacre and young scargill. In fact any of the characters from BRASS. ELI last of the summer wine. Jim Trott and Owen Newitt vicar of dibley put Geraldine in there n’all. Dare I say Steve Macdonald, coronation st. His expressions and mannerisms are something to behold.