Crossword Genius

Foreign character has a record laugh (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alpha

'foreign character' is the definition.
(letter of the Greek alphabet)

'a record laugh' is the wordplay.
'record' becomes 'L-P' (abbreviation for long play record).
'laugh' becomes 'ha'.
'a'+'lp'+'ha'='ALPHA'

'has' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for alpha that I've seen before include "First letter of the Greek alphabet" , "Top grade" , "Foreign character" , "high mark" , "Top star" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app