Britcoms, dramas 'still losing out to Hollywood'

New research has estimated a £90 million UK trade deficit in the genres of comedy and drama.

According to the study, commissioned by UKTV, UK broadcasters spent more on international comedy and drama shows than foreign broadcasters spent on UK fare in the genres in 2004.

Meanwhile, entertainment and factual entertainment - including reality and lifestyle shows - produced a £53 million surplus in 2004, while documentaries produced a surplus of £42 million.

A spokesman commented: "The study suggests that while the days of hugely successful comedy exports in the vein of Monty Python and Benny Hill may be over, the rise in the popularity of lifestyle, makeover and reality shows has made up the shortfall and given a huge boost to the domestic industry's balance of trade."