Women chose funny men as relationship partners despite often rating them as less honest and intelligent,” the researchers said in the study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behaviour.

In other news:

Actor Tom Cruise has branded a story suggesting he is to split from pregnant fiancee Katie Holmes “100% false”.

The denial came after US magazine Life & Style printed a report suggesting the pair will separate after the birth of their child in the Spring.

Life & Style magazine said its story was based on information from unnamed sources described only as “multiple insiders”.

“We stand 100% behind our story,” said a representative for the magazine.