COMEDIAN Jim Bowen is back on ‘the circuit’ three years after he suffered two strokes.

The former Bullseye host, who was brought up in Padiham and attended Accrington Grammar School, has a gig in Clitheroe next month.

And the 77-year-old is delighted to be back entertaining the public.

He said: “I’m doing gigs where the audience can’t think or move quicker than me!”

The performances are the closing act in a variety show featuring a singer and organist.

Jim continued: “We are doing one a month and I’ll be talking about my life in Bullseye and The Comedians and everything else. They ask me questions and we have some gentle mickey-taking of each other and have a laugh at old age. They’re in the afternoon, so most of the people are my age. There are enough crutches to build a raft!”

Jim said he had recovered from his strokes and was feeling better. “My health is okay but I get bad patches.

“I have been very lucky. I am 77 now and I’ve enjoyed a good 50 years in showbusiness.”

Jim said he believed he had enjoyed the ‘golden years’ of stand-up comedy. He said: “The guys who do the arenas, I can’t identify with them. These guys do two hours and it’s all original stuff. They work hard at their acts.

“I would not make it now.”

Jim Bowen will be at The Parish Centre in Lowergate, Clitheroe, on August 14, from 2pm.

Tickets cost £4 and Jim said: “It would be lovely to get a full house.”