One of the country’s best-loved comics on his amazing career, his wide-ranging hobbies – and his memories of ghost-hunting in Essex…

Joe! We’re delighted you’ll be here at Essex’s very own Chelmsford Theatre this month, and we know Essex is very close to your heart. Tell us about growing up here – what did you enjoy about it and where were your favourite places?

I loved growing up in Essex, but to be fair, I would have loved growing up anywhere in the country, but Essex was my birthplace. When I was old enough I joined the 9th Grays Cubs and Scouts and we spent a lot of time at the Condovers activity centre in East Tilbury, so I often go back there as it brings back lots of happy memories.I used to love jumping on the Tilbury Ferry to Gravesend and back, too – when I lived in Essex it was the Tilbury Ferry, when I moved to Kent years later, it was the Gravesend Ferry!

Of all the projects you through yourself into, which do you enjoy most – acting? Stand-up? Interacting with your fans? Or off-the-wall things, like TV’s I’m a celebrity (which, of course, you won)?

I like the eclectic mix of doing stand-up, acting and voiceover work, with the occasional bit of presenting too, although I class my ‘day job’ as doing stand-up. In actual fact, I’m more of a driver, as you have to travel extensively in this line of work! I’m also a huge fan of panto as it’s the first time that younger children get to experience live theatre, rather than having their noses deep in an electronic device.

You’ve got a big family and grandchildren to enjoy, so you could be just taking a break – but clearly not! What’s persuaded you to get back on the road again, and what can the audience expect of your latest show?

I never had any intention of being off the road - it was only the forced hiatus because of Covid that stopped me doing what I love most. As for this year’s show the audience can expect exactly what it says on the tin, it is 40 years of my favourite cack, plus a Q&A after the interval.

Touring can be especially gruelling – how do you cope?

It’s really hard to eat well and exercise when you’re on the road - so much time is spent sat in the car and when it comes to eating healthily, in a lot of places, chips are classed as vegetables! When I do have a day off, I can’t wait to hit the gym.

With all your hobbies and interests - you fly planes, you write books - it’s clear that you’re someone who likes to keep very busy – tell us about your Open University degree.

I took one in geosciences as I find geology fascinating. I missed a year of schooling at the age of 13 after I got run over and was at home recovering, so I’m trying to play catch up! I have a pilot’s licence, too.

And you’re fascinated by ghosts, we hear – did you ever see any when you were growing up in Essex?

Sadly not - but I used to go to Coal House Fort in East Tilbury with the Scouts and we once used a Ouija board there to try and contact the dead. A bloke called Malcolm came through – but, looking back on it, I’m sure it was just my mate Kevin Bloss pushing the glass!

Any current comedians you like to watch yourself when you’re not working?

I’m a huge fan of the hilarious Greg Davies and Alex Horne of TV’s Taskmaster, as well as a young comedian - also a Horn, but no e - Ollie Horn.

With over 40 years in comedy, what’s the secret to your longevity, do you think?

Well, I’ve never had a plan; if you don’t have a plan, it can’t go wrong!

Joe Pasquale performs at Chelmsford Theatre, Oct 28. chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk