Sacha Baron Cohen took a swipe at disgraced TV star Jimmy Savile when he collected an Outstanding Achievement prize at the British Comedy Awards last night (12.12.12.)


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The Borat star – who won Best Newcomer at the event 13 years ago – took to the stage to collect the accolade dressed as his alter-ego Ali G.

He told the audience: “Can you believe it’s been 10 years since I’s been on the telly? Times has been tough means me now well skint.

“These day I has got to buy me tracksuits from secondhand shops. Look!”

Ali then turned round to reveal the word ‘Savile’ written on the back his trademark gold tracksuit.

Sir Ben Kingsley presented the 41-year-old star with the gong, but before revealing the winner he did an impression of Ali, saying: “Booyakasha, I is Sir Ben Kinley, innit, hear me now!”

Jack Whitehall picked up the King of Comedy award at the event – which was hosted by Jonathan Ross and broadcast live on Channel 4 – and during his acceptance speech he made a jibe at ITV2 reality TV show The Only Way is Essex.

He said: “This feels like that time when TOWIE won a Bafta but thank you so much.”

Political satire show The Thick of It – which recently ended on BBC Two – was another big winner on the night as Peter Capaldi, who plays Malcolm Tucker in the programme, and Rebecca Front (Nicola Murray) took home the Best TV Comedy Actor and Best TV Comedy Actress prizes respectively.

Other winners at the ceremony – which took place at the Fountain Studios in Wembley – saw Harry Hill’s TV Burp win Best Comedy Entertainment Programme and Lee Mack was named Best Male TV Comic, with Jo Brand winning the female version of the accolade.

Kelly Brook, Joan Collins and Cuba Gooding Jr. were among the presenters on the night, which also saw Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer awarded the prestigious Writers Guild of Great Britain accolade and Julia Davis’ Hunderby won Best New Comedy Programme and Best Sitcom.