"It’s been a joy to look back and celebrate some classic TV shows from the BBC’s history as part of BBC 100. There’s been an absolutely huge response from our lovely viewers and though we couldn’t fit everything onto the list, our viewers have shown so much love for these classic shows that have connected with them across generations." — Alex Jones, The One Show presenter

Only Fools and Horses has been named the nations most loved BBC television programme of all time, following a public vote by The One Show viewers as part of the BBC’s centenary celebrations.

On hearing the news, Only Fools and Horses star, David Jason told The One Show: “I am delighted that Only Fools and Horses seems to be as popular as ever and that The One Show viewers have enjoyed it over the years. It was such a great show to be a part of and I am pleased it has given so many laughs and continues to do so to this day. From the brilliant writing of John Sullivan all the way down to the entire team in front of and behind the camera, let’s just say luvvly jubbly.”

The One Show asked a panel of experts to help whittle down all the classic BBC TV Shows from across the years to a shortlist of 50 for viewers to vote on. The final 50 included everything from drama to comedy to entertainment to factual and natural history.

The panel was comprised of Sara Wallis, Mirror TV Columnist, David Butcher, Radio Times’ Choices Editor, Dick Fiddy, BFI Archive TV Programmer and Hanna Flint, Freelance Critic and MTV Movies Host.

Alex Jones, The One Show presenter says: “It’s been a joy to look back and celebrate some classic TV shows from the BBC’s history as part of BBC 100. There’s been an absolutely huge response from our lovely viewers and though we couldn’t fit everything onto the list, our viewers have shown so much love for these classic shows that have connected with them across generations.”

The BBC’s most loved 20 television programmes, as voted for by The One Show viewers, are:

Only Fools and Horses
Doctor Who
Strictly Come Dancing
Line of Duty
Call The Midwife
Gavin and Stacey
Fawlty Towers
Blackadder
Morecambe and Wise Show
The Vicar of Dibley
Dad's Army
Planet Earth I and II
Killing Eve
Dinnerladies
Yes Minister / Yes Prime Minister
Sherlock
The Good Life
Top of the Pops
The Royle Family
Blue Peter
The vote was shared on tonight’s episode of The One Show [Friday 28 January], which kicked off the programme’s centenary celebrations with Only Fools and Horses the Musical star Paul Whitehouse, Strictly winner Bill Bailey, and Angela Rippon opened up the BBC archives to host a special reunion between Baroness Floella Benjamin and the original Play School cuddly toys and dolls.

Plus Only Fools and Horses’ Sue Holderness (Marlene) joined the show to celebrate the big win.

Watch again on BBC iPlayer below

The One Show airs on BBC One every week night at 7pm.