The quiz show host joined the ranks of Winston Churchill and George Bernard Shaw by featuring highly in a new dictionary of this century's top quotations.

His "Nice to see you, to see you, nice," and "Didn't he do well?" are listed alongside The X-Files' "The truth is out there" and Magnus Magnusson's "I've started so I'll finish" Mastermind catchphrase in the publisher's Top 60 of the most influential lines.

But, judging from the nominations sent in by readers, the team behind the Oxford Dictionary of 20th Century Quotations could do with watching a few more comedies and a few more films.

Notable omissions

Jack Lord: Hawaii Five-O's Steve McGarrett

Among the most notable omissions were lines from BBC Two's The Fast Show, with the camp tailors' "Suits you, sir," cropping up in the nominations.

John Inman's similarly camp "I'm Free" keeps Are You Being Served? in the public imagination, along with "Listen very carefully, I shall say this only once" from 'Allo 'Allo also rating highly.

Children's programmes have made their mark on growing minds, with Crackerjack's "It's five to five and it's..." and John Noakes' "Get down, Shep!" still inspiring fond memories.

Teatimes spent watching Hawaii Five-O account for the appearance of "Book him, Danno!" from Steve McGarrett - played by the late Jack Lord.

Hollywood is represented by Arnold Schwarzengger's "I'll be back" from The Terminator, along with Clint Eastwood's "Go ahead, make my day" from Sudden Impact.

Catchphrase hall of fame

Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker: Good night from them

Tennis ace John McEnroe's "You cannot be serious!" tantrums have also guaranteed him a place in the catchphrase hall of fame.

Sci-fi fans point out that Star Trek has contributed "Space: the final frontier" as well as "Beam me up, Scotty" to the world.

But it seems if you really want people to remember your lines, you need to make them laugh.

Tommy Cooper's "Just like that!" lives on as does "You stupid boy, Pike" - Captain Mainwaring's put-down to his Dad's Army dogsbody.

Victor Meldrew's exasperated "I don't believe it!" from One Foot In The Grave, is set to have a similar longevity, lasting long after Richard Wilson kills off his moaning pensioner.