The oddest things come into your mind while travelling. While I was sitting on the plane earlier in the week, I started to think about humour. I have no idea why. But I wondered what the reactions to the first joke were like? What was the first joke?

I can understand how language developed. As we evolved, we needed to find ways to communicate (where is the food, or what dangers are there out there?) But how did the first joke happen (and by that I mean the first gag rather than the first thing somebody did that brought on laughter)? How did those who heard that first joke know to laugh? What were the cues?

I’ve no idea why it came to me but now it’s fascinating me.

On this day…

• 2004: Euro Winners