Why laughter is contagious

Here's the science bit

28/12/2006 … Scientists believe they’ve worked out why laughter is so contagious.

On the Swiss role of honour

Carrington wins Alpine award

27/12/2006 … Cello-playing comedian Rebecca Carrington has won Switzerland’s equivalent of the Perrier award – becoming both the first English act and the first solo woman…

trotter27

27/12/2006 … DINNER LADY Dawn Tutton and her son David are such fans of Only Fools and Horses they have changed their names to Del Boy and Rodney Trotter.

moose27

27/12/2006 … APPLICATIONS have opened for auditions for the Amused Moose LaughOff contest for new acts.

The next Simon Mayo?

Iannucci: I was offered R1 breakfast show

27/12/2006 … Armando Iannucci has revealed once turned down the chance to be Radio One’s breakfast DJ.

27/12/2006 … A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM, the family comedy starring Ben Stiller and Ricky Gervais, has topped the Christmas box office in US cinemas, taking $30.

A large figure

Vicar of Dibley tops Christmas viewing

26/12/2006 … The Vicar of Dibley was the most-watched TV programme on Christmas Day, according to overnight ratings.

Goodbye my darlings

Charlie Drake dies at 91

24/12/2006 … Charlie Drake has died at the age of 81 following a long illness caused by two strokes.