Linda Smith tops poll

Linda Smith has been named wittiest living person - beating Stephen Fry to the title.

The News Quiz regular was awarded the honour by listeners to Radio 4's Word Of Mouth show.

And she was presented with a cup to mark the occasion during a recording of her new comedy series Linda Smith's A Brief History Of Timewasting.

Listeners nominated her because "she's sharp and quick with her quips but warm and compassionate too, and can create a world in a few words. She's brilliant".

Word Of Mouth staged the competition to mark its 10th birthday and the full results will be announced in the Radio 4 programme at 4pm today (Friday), although Stephen Fry came second.

A Brief History Of Timewasting returns for a second series next Tuesday at 6.30pm.

Smith is also a guest on Have I Got News For You tonight.

Published: 30 May 2002