Baker's dulcet tone hits the spot

Tom Baker narrates sketch show Little Britain

Actors Joanna Lumley and Tom Baker own the UK's best voices, according to a Radio Times poll of nearly 5000 people.

Users of the magazine's website were asked to choose the nicest and the most grating tones from 50 of the most distinctive voices in TV and radio.

Julian Clary and Janet Street-Porter topped the worst voices list.

Lorraine Kelly and Jeremy Clarkson made both the best and worst line-ups. Other favourite voices included Des Lynam, Davina McCall and Mariella Frostrup.

TOP FIVE MALE VOICES 1. Tom Baker 2. Stephen Fry 3. David Attenborough 4. Des Lynam 5. James Nesbitt

The survey ties-in with documentary A Voice Like Honey about vocal surgery on Radio 4, presented by Dead Ringers star Jan Ravens.

"His voice is so fruity and dark," she said of Tom Baker, who is currently the voice of BT's talking text message service.

"But I think it would be hard work to carry his voice round with you all day.

TOP FIVE FEMALE VOICES 1. Joanna Lumley 2. Mariella Frostrup 3. Davina McCall 4. Fiona Bruce 5. Kirsty Young

She was not quite as fond of Jeremy Clarkson's voice, describing it as "smug and ghastly".

Ravens was surprised Julian Clary topped the worst male voice list: "When he's not performing he's got a lovely voice - so soft and lilting."

Ray Winstone, John Humphrys, Terry Wogan and Jeremy Paxman also made it into the best top 10.

Jo Whiley, Kate Thornton, Moira Stuart and Sue Lawley were in the top 10 female favourites.