We chat with one of the country’s best-loved comics on his amazing career, his wide-ranging hobbies – and his favourite Kent venue for ghost-hunting…

Joe! We’re delighted you’ll be here at Kent’s very own Hazlitt Theatre Maidstone and The Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells this month, and we know Kent is very close to your heart…

Yes, I lived in Rochester for about 20 years, before moving to Norfolk two years ago. What I really enjoyed about Kent was its proximity to the south coast, as well as London, which was ideal for travelling in for TV work and business meetings. Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe was always a joy – I’d spend many an afternoon perusing the shops. I also used to love jumping on the Gravesend ferry to Tilbury, which was a childhood memory of mine, having grown up in Essex. When I lived in Essex it was called The Tilbury ferry, when I lived in Kent it was called the Gravesend Ferry!

You do so many things! What do you enjoy most – acting? Stand-up? Interacting with your fans? Or off-the-wall projects, like TV’s I’m a Celebrity (which, of course, you won)?

I like the eclectic mix of doing stand-up, acting and voiceover work, with the occasional bit of presenting too, although I class my ‘day job’ as doing stand-up. In actual fact, I’m more of a driver, as you have to travel extensively in this line of work! I’m also a huge fan of panto as it’s the first time that younger children get to experience live theatre, rather than having their noses deep in an electronic device.

You’ve said yourself that you’re not as young as you were, you’ve got a big family and plenty of grandchildren to enjoy, so you could be just taking a break – but clearly not! What’s persuaded you to get back on the road again, and what can the audience expect from your latest show?

I never had any intention of being off the road - unfortunately, it was the forced hiatus because of Covid that stopped me doing what I love most. As for this year’s show, the audience can expect exactly what it says on the tin, it is 40 years of my favourite cack, plus a Q&A after the interval.

Touring can be especially gruelling – how do you cope?

It’s really hard to eat well and exercise when you’re on the road, given that so much time is spent sat in the car travelling from venue to venue, and when it comes to eating healthily, in a lot of places, chips are classed as vegetables! When I do have a day off, I can’t wait to hit the gym.

With all your hobbies and interests, it’s clear that you’re someone who likes to keep very busy,–tell us about your Open University degree…

I took one in geosciences as I find geology fascinating! I also missed a year of schooling at the age of 13 after I got run over, so I’m trying to play catch up! I have a pilot’s licence, too, and when I lived in Kent, I used to Fly from Rochester Airport regularly.

And you’re fascinated by ghosts, we hear – have you ever seen one?

Sadly not - although when I was in Kent I did visit Rochester Castle as often as possible in the hope of bumping into one.

Who on the comedy circuit do you currently admire?

I’m a huge fan of the hilarious Greg Davies and Alex Horne of TV’s Taskmaster, as well as a young comedian (also a Horn, but no e) - Ollie Horn.

With over 40 years in comedy, what’s the secret to your longevity, do you think?

Well, I’ve never had a plan; if you don’t have a plan, it can’t go wrong!

Joe appears at the Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone on September 12 and at The Assembly Halls, Tunbridge Wells on September 13.