Location, location, location. Not only is this phrase valid when talking about property sales, it is also key when writing comedy, it seems.
For countless British and Irish sitcoms are often firmly rooted in a single location. Be it a workplace, café or restaurant, most comedies have a focal point we all recognise, even years later.
In most cases, this is a house. The central location for some of the greatest gags in TV history have taken place in the home of the main character, or one of the series sidekicks.
But where are these houses in real life? Do they exist, or are they merely sets, created to fool us, the hapless viewer? We decided to hunt down some notable - and often nostalgic - locations from comedy old and new, to find out where the settings for many of the laughs actually are.
Google Street View was our tool, and we found lots of iconic locations for you to have a look around without bothering anyone when taking a sneaky selfie...
However, be warned, it seems a number of locations are - rather suspiciously in our view - not available on Street view, including locations featured in The Young Ones and Absolutely Fabulous. But we didn't let that stop us - we found plenty more.
Click through to see the famous sitcom locations we found on Google Street View...
9. Outnumbered: The exploits of the Brockman family have become a firm favourite among UK comedy fans, with the show returning for Christmas special in 2024. Although set in Chiswick, you can find the house we all know and love in Dempster Road, Wandsworth.
The exploits of the Brockman family have become a firm favourite among UK comedy fans, with the show returning for Christmas special in 2024. Although set in Chiswick, you can find the house we all know and love in Dempster Road, Wandsworth. | Google/BBC Photo: Google/BBC
10. The Vicar of Dibley: Geraldine Granger's cottage is a mainstay of the cast in BBC favourite, The Vicar of Dibley. Whether it is Alice knocking on the door, or the Reverend slumping into her comfy sofa, we know her home intimately. While the interior is a set, exterior shots of the vicar's house are a charming cottage in Turville, in Buckinghamshire.
Geraldine Granger's cottage is a mainstay of the cast in BBC favourite, The Vicar of Dibley. Whether it is Alice knocking on the door, or the Reverend slumping into her comfy sofa, we know her home intimately. While the interior is a set, exterior shots of the vicar's house are a charming cottage in Turville, in Buckinghamshire. | Google/BBC Photo: Google/BBC
11. The story of reluctant flatmates Tim and Daisy has achieved cult status after the ascent to stardom of writers and actors Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes. But while the stars have moved on to bigger things, the building that housed their fictional home remains, in Carleton Road, Tufnell Park, London.
The story of reluctant flatmates Tim and Daisy has achieved cult status after the ascent to stardom of writers and actors Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes. But while the stars have moved on to bigger things, the building that housed their fictional home remains, in Carleton Road, Tufnell Park, London. | Google/Channel 4 Photo: Google/Channel 4
12. Phoenix Nights: Though not a house, the social club in this Peter Kay-led classic was like a home from home for the characters and us, the viewer. The Phoenix Club was actually St Gregory's, in Farnworth, and handily, the sign is still there so it's easy to spot.
Though not a house, the social club in this Peter Kay-led classic was like a home from home for the characters and us, the viewer. The Phoenix Club was actually St Gregory's, in Farnworth, and handily, the sign is still there so it's easy to spot. | Google/Channel 4 Photo: Google/Channel 4