Number one is no surprise really...

Research of 2,000 adults found 20 per cent haven’t really laughed in more than a fortnight, while 63 per cent admit they’re craving more moments of joy during the winter months.

London was pinpointed by those polled as the city most in need of a laugh, with the capital topping the list of places crying out for light relief.

And Londoners agree, with 81 per cent claiming they’re desperate for a mood boost in the colder months, more than anywhere else in the UK.

The research was commissioned by Cheez-It, which has teamed up with Jason Manford to launch its ‘Comedy Credit Service’, which saw the comedian visiting the capital to help lift the mood.

He said: “February can feel like the longest and gloomiest month of the year.

“And with London revealed as the city most in need of a laugh, it made perfect sense to hit the capital’s streets and spread a bit of joy.”

The research also crowned Liverpool as the funniest city in the UK, with 16 per cent naming it the place most likely to leave them in stitches.

Liverpudlians beat off competition from Glasgow, London, Newcastle and Birmingham, which completed the top five.

The findings revealed a clear north-south divide when it comes to humour, with just two southern cities, London and Brighton, making it into the top 10.

Jason Manford added: “I’m not surprised to see so many northern cities in the top 10 funniest places.

“When the weather’s that bad, you either laugh or cry, and we’ve clearly chosen laughter.”

It also emerged 66 per cent of Brits reckon they are funny, with the most common humour style people identified with was dry or sarcastic (37 per cent).

This was followed by sharp banter (16 per cent), while 11 per cent even admitted their go-to humour is cheesy dad jokes.

Yet 75 per cent are actively hoping for a mood boost during the long, dark winter season.

And when winter blues strike, many turn to life’s little comforts, including spending time with loved ones (46 per cent), watching TV (40 per cent), snacking (36 per cent) and having a laugh (34 per cent).

Rui Frias from Cheez-It, which is giving out prizes to cheer the nation up with an Instagram competition, said: “We know comfort comes in all shapes and sizes – a shared laugh, or a much‑needed escape from the February slump.

“That’s why we’ve packed our prize pot with joy-boosters designed to brighten even the greyest day, from ‘Comedy Night In’ bundles to mini ‘Cheer Up Kits’ and even laughter yoga.

“And because we’re proudly pro-cheese in every sense, it’s brilliant to see just how much humour matters to people right now.

“Britain’s famous for its dry sarcasm and razor‑sharp wit — and while the North may still claim the crown, we’re hoping a few belly laughs can help spread the joy nationwide.”

Top 10 cities with the best sense of humour

1.    Liverpool

2.    Glasgow

3.    London

4.    Newcastle-upon-Tyne

5.    Birmingham

6.    Manchester

7.    Belfast

8.    Edinburgh

9.    Leeds

10.   Brighton & Hove