JOHN Junkin has one of those faces ... even if the name doesn't ring any bells, lovers of classic comedy will definitely recognise the face.

Comic greats he has worked with range from Tony Hancock to Tommy Cooper and if that hasn't jogged your memory, how about appearances in the likes of Z Cars, Till Death Us Do Part, Mr Bean and Up Pompeii with the late Frankie Howerd.

"I've been in all sorts of things but it's always one particular role that sticks in people's minds when they come up to me in the street," he told the Citizen.

"I must have one of those faces."

His current project is touring with the stage version of Talent, penned by Victoria Wood way back in 1978 and due to arrive at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool on June 2.

"It is set in one of those clubs in the 1970s where all the money went on the decor so they had to book amateur acts to save on cash," said John.

"I play a conjuror whose wife and assistant is unwell so I have to call on a friend for help, played by Freddie Davies,who is nowhere near as glamorous.

"The tour is now in its ninth week and is going very nicely. It's a great play, a great cast and I'm really enjoying it."

John says he is a major fan of Victoria Wood's work and was impressed with Talent, but admits he can take or leave the modern day sitcoms.

"There is not much good comedy around these days," he explained.

"It seems to be a matter of fashion these days - if you're over 35 you're over the hill.

"There used to be some great stuff around in the 1960s and 70s - I starred in most of it."

Talent also stars Mina Anwar from BBC TV's The Thin Blue Line and Sarah Moffett from Coronation Street.

It runs nightly until June 8.

Tickets start at £8, available from the box office on 290190.

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