Tommy Cooper’s birthday is as good an excuse as any to watch his hilarious “nose” routine

The wonderful and unique Tommy Cooper would have been 98 today, had he not been taken tragically soon in an onstage heart attack, broadcast on live TV. Happily, he will remain part of the fabric of comedy forever, remembered for his deliberately bad magic tricks, his fez, his perfect one-liners and his catchphrase.

Here he is, performing one of his better-known routines, telling a joke about a man with a big nose – no, bigger than that.

There aren’t many comedians who can laugh so much at their own jokes and still be funny. His comedy remains very much appreciated.

He even inspires others to make their own jokes.

We think he would have approved – just like that!