Watch the hilarious sketch above and read about it below

Monty Python's comedy genius, author and TV presenter Sir Michael Palin has included the famous and hilarious Fish Slapping Dance filmed at Teddington Lock as one of his proudest moments.

He says: "I'm very proud of the fish-slapping dance we did in Python. We rehearsed this silly dance where John Cleese hits me with a fish and I fall into Teddington Lock.

"We were so intent on getting the dance right that I didn't notice the lock had cleared and instead of it being a 2ft drop into the water it was a 15ft drop. I'm very proud of doing that."

A small circular, turquoise blue plaque, similar to a Heritage plaque, in the lock keeper's quarters commemorates the famous sketch with the inscription MONTY PYTHON – FISH-SLAPPING DANCE SHOT HERE 1969 -1999. (see photo)

A signed photo by the two Monty Python greats reads: "To The Lock keepers of Teddington – home of FISH-SLAPPING. Best Fishes." (see photo)

The location has become famous the world over because of the sketch, which is said to be the favourite of former Beatle George Harrison.

Maria Herlihy, Operations manager of Thames Area Waterways told Teddington Nub News: "Teddington Lock has become a bit of a popular tourist destination, not just because of its stunning setting and key position on the River Thames but because of its fascinating history and the Fish-Slapping Dance is part of that history. Monty Python has millions of fans all over the world and, over the years, thousands have dropped by to take a look and photograph the location."

The sketch, filmed originally in 1971 at Teddington Lock, stars fellow Python and Fawlty Towers star John Cleese and Palin dressed in safari outfits and wearing pith helmets at the side of the lock with the Teddington sign clearly visible.

At first, both are facing each other and standing still and Palin then begins a 'merry dance' moving slowly towards Cleese gently slapping him across the face with two small pilchards and then returning to his standing position.

Palin repeats the move four times and then stands still with the expectation that his dance 'partner' Cleese will replicate the moves but, instead, the music stops and Cleese reveals his massive fish, a giant halibut and whacks Palin around the head knocking him into the canal several feet below.

The skit is only 20 seconds long does not receive as much recognition as other Python classics because it could not be performed live but it remains one of Palin's favourites and, as he says, typifies what Monty Python was all about.

The accompanying music is called "Merrymakers Dance" from "Nell Gwyn suite" by British composer Sir Edward German (1862–1936).

Palin revisited the scene of the original sketch at Teddington Lock in 2008 where he explained the rules of the 'global phenomenon' of fish slapping in equally hilarious terms.

Here is an excerpt: "Hello and welcome to Teddington Lock in London, the world home of fish slapping for a documentary programme which examines the complex and intriguing rituals of this ancient art.

"I have been a slapper for many years. I am proud to say I was the first person to slap on television during the making of the Monty Python Flying Circus television series over 30 years ago. Since then it's become a global phenomenon with slappers in over 300 countries.

He adds: "Welcome back to Teddington for a long hard look at fish slapping, the 423rd fastest growing participation sport in the world. Under the Billingsgate Rules there are three stages to fish slapping. Approach, delivery and whack on the side of the head.

"We are going to look at three vital areas; choice of fish, grip and swing.

"Choice of fish is very much a personal matter. There are a few do' and don'ts. Piranha are not recommended as they'll chew your hand off before you've even start slapping.

"Some favour the oily options the sardines or the little pilchards, others the beautiful Cornish mackerel with its fine aerodynamic qualities but I always slap with the mullet. It has a distinctive aroma and a scaly skin which irritates the slapee….."

Watch the sketch again HERE and HERE

And find out more about Teddington Lock HERE