He’s been accused of racism, sexism and dragging comedy into the gutter – but there’s no denying the appeal of Roy Chubby Brown.

“It’s got to the point now where they can’t hurt us anymore,“ says Roy. “They’ve told lies about things I’ve said, things I haven’t said. It’s pointless denying it. I’ve got nothing to hide.

“I know British humour has always been cruel, underhand and sarcastic. If people don’t like it they should go somewhere else.“

He’s been selling out theatre’s for some 45 years – proving the nation’s appetite for the old school, crude humour for which he’s known.

He’s always been blue. At the start of the ‘70s he did a set on Opportunity Knocks but was disqualified for saying ’arse’.

“When I came on the scene they said you’re too silly,“ says Roy, 68, who never swears at the home he shares with his wife and two young children. 

“I went home and thought I’ll do the same gags – I’ll just put a few f***s in here and there and it worked!

“I realised there was a niche in the market for controversial comedy. There’s hundreds of them now.“

His act has landed him in hot water, but he’s used to the put-downs.

“I was born on one of the roughest estates in the north east of England and my father had the cheek to call me Royston.“

“I’ve had my face caved in, I’ve been beaten up, I’ve been stabbed in the arm. On stage I’ve been spat at, had ashtrays thrown at me – you get all that.“

The crowd at Watford Colosseum, when he comes to the venue on Friday, are sure to be more forgiving – and it promises to be ’his bluest show yet’.

“I know the bloke in the suit and goggles can get away with a lot more than I can. I couldn’t stand in a fish shop queue talking like he talks on stage.

“But they expect me to be shocking and I don’t let them down. That’s what they come for.“

Roy Chubby Brown is at Watford Colosseum on Friday, April 12 at 8pm. Details: 0845 075 3993