As part of his much- anticipated first UK tour for five years, Julian Clary is coming to Komedia in Bath

"I, Julian Clary, have done for mincing what Michael Flatley did for Irish dancing.

"But in these difficult times I feel I should go and comfort my people in the provinces. My friend Damien tells me the men are very hard up in Sheffield. I only hope I'm not too late. I'm 50. The shame of it.

"This will be an intimate evening – a celebration, no less, of my 25 years in the camp spotlight: how I got there and why I refuse to leave."

Since graduating in the 1980s from Goldsmiths College University, London, with a degree in English drama, Clary has gone on to become one of the country's most recognisable entertainers.

During his 17 years in showbusiness he has turned his hand to comedy, acting, presenting, writing and even performing as a novice dancer on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, where he reached the final.

He has appeared on TV programmes including Friday Night Live (Ch4), Sticky Moments and Terry And Julian, It's Only TV But I Like It, four ITV Christmas pantomimes, Come And Have A Go and Who Do You Think You Are? for BBC1.

He has toured the UK, Australia and New Zealand many times, and has appeared in Boy George's memorable West End musical, Taboo, and as the Emcee in Cabaret at London's Lyric Theatre. His indelible impact on the entertainment world was recognised in 2001 when he was awarded 'the big red book' by Michael Aspel on This Is Your Life.

His Autobiography, A Young Man's Passage, was published by Ebury Press in June 2006 and was a Sunday Times bestseller. His first novel, Murder Most Fab, was published in 2007.

He has just finished dancing with Lilia Kopylova on the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour and his second novel, Devil In Disguise, was published in May.

Julian Clary visits Komedia Bath on Friday, July 10, at 8.30pm (food served from 7pm). Tickets cost £17 or £15 concessions, and are available online at www.komedia.co.uk/brighton or from the box office on 0845 293 8480.