COMEDY legend Ken Dodd has criticised modern humour for being “aggressive” and cynical.

The Squire of Knotty Ash, 83, famous for his tickling sticks and Diddymen, said that mainstream comedy was not getting a platform on TV.

He said: “When I started, the humour was that of (the late comedians) Arthur Askey and Will Hay, based on the way people behave.

“Now it’s very different. It’s more aggressive and a lot of it is below the belt.”

Doddy, who has been performing professionally for 57 years, said: “Mainstream performers don’t get the platform they deserve.

“Television and radio seem to be completely obsessed with the new kind of mirth, mostly satire.”

The veteran entertainer, who features in ITV1 show Ronnie Corbett’s Comedy Britain and still tours around the country, added: “I do optimistic comedy.

“The audience bring all their stress and their worries with them and hopefully I can make them forget for an hour or so.”

His comments follow those of Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer, after the comedy duo complained that today’s comedy stars are either too serious or brutal.

Reeves said: “It’s filthy now. We’re just a little saucy now and then. But there’s a big earnestness over the world.”