A sitcom revolves around its characters, often placing them in familiar settings or scenarios, where their quirks, flaws, and dynamics drive the humour and narrative. Each character typically embodies distinct traits or archetypes, creating a diverse ensemble that complements and clashes with one another in comedic fashion. These characters are the lifeblood of the sitcom, serving as the catalysts for the jokes, conflicts, and resolutions that unfold within the storyline.

We were sparked into thought about comedy characters just the other day when we spotted the gambling website Slotozilla in some search results. A round up of the best online casino websites, it seems to have been named after the concept of slot machines - which makes sense, but also - er - maybe Godzilla? Whether that's a right assumption or not, it sent our brains into thinking about monsters, and then on to thinking about how we love many British comedy characters that'd actually probably be ghastly if we actually encountered them in real life.

For example, here's three characters we bet you love as a TV viewer, but you wouldn't actually really want to spend any time with?

Alan Partridge

Steve Coogan's creation, Alan Partridge, is a towering figure in British comedy known for his inflated ego, delusions of grandeur, and complete lack of self-awareness. Originally introduced as a sports presenter on The Day Today and then Knowing Me, Knowing You... With Alan Partridge, this character has evolved over the years into a fully fleshed-out monster of mediocrity. Despite his terrible personality traits, there's something undeniably compelling about Partridge's obliviousness to his own shortcomings, making him a fascinating and enduring comedic creation.

Patsy Stone

Joanna Lumley's portrayal of Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous introduces us to a character who embodies the epitome of hedonism, narcissism, and extravagance. Patsy is the antithesis of responsibility, spending her days in a haze of alcohol, drugs, and fashion, while her moral compass seems to have been lost in the bottom of a champagne glass. With her perpetually smoked-stained voice and intoxicated demeanour, Patsy exudes a devil-may-care attitude that's both alluring and repulsive.

Patsy serves as a cautionary tale wrapped in a sequined cocktail dress, reminding us of the dangers of excess and the emptiness of a life lived solely for pleasure. Yet, despite her flaws and moral bankruptcy, there's something undeniably magnetic about Patsy, making her a beloved and unforgettable figure in the pantheon of British comedy.

Edmund Blackadder

Played with devilish charm by Rowan Atkinson, Blackadder is a cunning and conniving figure who stops at nothing to achieve his goals. Spanning multiple historical eras, this character embodies the darkest aspects of human nature with razor-sharp wit and a complete lack of moral scruples. Whether he's plotting to overthrow the king in medieval England or scheming his way out of the trenches in World War I, Blackadder's ruthless pursuit of power and self-preservation knows no bounds. Yet, despite his villainous tendencies, there's something undeniably charismatic about Blackadder, making him a captivating and enduring anti-hero of British comedy.