HE runs the world’s only degree course in comedy and even he thinks the groans you will get from your Christmas cracker gags will be irreplaceable.

As the Daily Echo’s hunt to find the corniest cracker joke gains momentum, Dr Chris Richie, course leader of Southampton Solent University’s comedy: writing and performance degree, talks to us about why Hampshire homes can’t do without the one-liners.

The joke pro, who also edits the Comedy Studies Journal, believes the reason why people love to hate the sheets of rectangular paper that fly out of crackers is because everyone is included so he is a firm believer they should not be messed with.

He said: “Christmas cracker jokes are supposed to be corny and I would not advise trying to fancy up clever Christmas cracker jokes.

“They are the lowest common denominator, something your niece, aunt, and nan will understandnot in an insulting way but they are inclusive to e v e r y o n e , which gives them their appeal.”

He branded the predictable oneliners as a breath of fresh air to make a change from Britain’s predominantly sophisticated humour with surrealist comedians and thinks their popularity is on the up.

He said: “A groan is as good as a laugh. When you are wearing the daft paper hats, not everyone around the table is going to understand sophisticated word play. We do like sophisticated comedy in Britain but we also like our groan humour. That is why pantomimes are regaining popularity.”

Dr Richie told the Daily Echo that a groan does not necessarily mean the joke is a flop.

He said: “If the intention is realised it is OK. If the person reading the joke knows it is bad then a groan is fine.”

We are still on the prowl to find the corniest cracker joke so gather the groan-inducing gags when you get around the table today and email Tara Russell at >a href="mailto:tara.russell@dailyecho.co.uk?subject=Christmas Cracker Jokes">tara.russell@dailyecho.co.uk or leave them on the comments below this article.

The best joke will get a bottle of bubbly.