Ken Dodd started singing in a Liverpool church choir and developed a comedy act under the name of Professor Yaffle Chukabutty, Operatic Tenor and Sausage Knotter. His act included parodies of well-known songs, however, his singing would soon earn him a string of romantic ballad hits.

His career took off when he turned professional comic in 1954 with summer performances at Blackpool Pier. In the variety shows of the time, the performers were obliged to perform a song at the end of their act.

By the 1960's he had appeared at the London Palladium which was followed by his own television series. With his singing talents recognised by recording companies, he covered a 1920's ballad 'Love Is Like A Violin' in 1960. The song became a top ten hit and 'Once In Every Lifetime' and 'Pianissimo' followed shortly after. In 1964 'Happiness' was followed by the biggest hit of his career, 'Tears' which remained at the top of the charts for five weeks and became the year's biggest selling single. A further six top 20 singles followed in the next few years and Dodd's singing career amazingly outlived and succeeded a lot of professional bands of the era.

The comic genius was acquitted from charges of alleged tax evasion in 1989 and a year later proved himself as a serious actor when he performed in 'Twelth Night' as Mavolio. With over 40 years in showbusiness under his belt, one of his ambitions is to play in every variety theatre in the country.

He is one of Britain's best loved comedians and his popularity has made him one of the biggest box-office stars of British theatre.