Comic’s search for funniest class was ‘tough job’

COMEDIAN Suzi Ruffell has said judging the jokes in the Beano’s nationwide search for Britain’s funniest class was a “tough job”.

The annual competition, now in its fourth year, challenged primary school children across the UK to write original jokes.

Members of the winning class will be turned into characters and feature in the comic in late

June, as well as winning Beano subscriptions and books.

Created in partnership with children’s mental health charity YoungMinds, the initiative aimed to “lift classroom spirits and help build resilience” while inspiring the next generation of comedy writers.

Suzi, 36, said: “I am so excited to be a part of this year’s competition – it’s such an incredible opportunity for kids to find their inner comedian and let their imaginations run wild in true Beano style.

“Judging the jokes was a tough job and now it’s over to the public to decide who will appear in the comic with me.”

Hundreds of entries from across the UK were whittled down by head judge Suzi and the Beano team to a shortlist of 10 finalists, with the winner to be decided through a public vote online.

Mike Stirling, director of mischief at Beano Studios, said: “Now in our fourth year of Britain’s Funniest Class, we’re honoured to have

Suzi and her many comedy gongs join us as head judge.

“At Beano we know the power of a good laugh and are very proud to work with YoungMinds on an initiative that grows in importance for kids each year. “The jokes were, as ever, incredible, and I’m very pleased it’s up to the public to pick our winner – I don’t know how they’ll choose!”

Olly Parker, head of external affairs at YoungMinds, said: “We’re delighted to continue our initiative with Beano to find Britain’s Funniest Class for another year.