COMEDY legend Jimmy Tarbuck spoke to The Borehamwood & Elstree Times about his upcoming show at The Ark Theatre.

The veteran comic has spent more than 40 years in show-business and starts his new tour This is my Life in Borehamwood on May 31.

The performance sees Jimmy share anecdotes and stories from his professional career, which has seen him mix with stars of the music world such as Elvis and Frank Sinatra.

The Liverpool-born comedian, who spent six years filming television at the old ATV Elstree studio in Clarendon Road, said a large part of his new show involves the audience asking him questions.

He said: “From 50 years there is a lot to choose from and what some people remember that I don't is amazing, but a lot of people ask me about Tommy Cooper dying on the stage.”

Jimmy, who had been presenting a stage show called Live From Her Majesty's, in London, said the audience laughed unknowingly that when Tommy Cooper “sank down” it was not a joke.

The comedian added: “I've met some very inspiring people. Walking into Elvis' dressing room was incredible – here was the man who as a child I bought his records.

“I would think I'm also the only comic over here who had Woody Allen doing stand up on his show. He was a very nice man and very funny.”

Asked who he liked of more recent comics, Jimmy said he admired Peter Kay, but said no-one could beat Billy Connelly.

However, he added: “It's a very different type of humour today, very aggressive and everyone swears a lot. It's not my style, I say just be funny and tell a joke.”

The former Loudwater resident, near Rickmansworth, said he was looking forward to an intimate show at The Ark Theatre Borehamwood and hoping for lots of audience engagement.

Tickets for the 7.30pm show on Tuesday May 31 cost £18.50, concessions £16.50, and are available through the box office on 0208 238 7288 or www.thearktheatre.co.uk.