KEN Dodd is absolutely discumknockerated – that’s Knotty Ash speak for “over the moon” – to be touring again with his Happiness Show at the age of 84.

“I love slaving over hot audiences because they love a good laugh and I never get tired of entertaining them,” says Ken, who returns to the Grand Opera House, York, tomorrow night.

“Laughter is the greatest music in the world, and people come to my shows wanting to be entertained and to escape the cares and worries of everyday life for a couple of hours (at least!).

“They certainly don’t want to be embarrassed or insulted with below-the-belt humour. They want to laugh and have a good night out – and so do I, which is probably why it works.

“Did you know that a laugh is something that comes out of a hole in your face? Anywhere else and you’re in dead trouble.”

Liverpudlian Ken has not stopped entertaining since he turned professional in 1954, and his name remains up there in lights long after those of his comedy heroes.

“I was fortunate to have grown up with comedy heroes like Arthur Askey, Ted Ray, Robb Wilton, Tommy Handley, Billy Bennett and the great comics of that era,” he says.

“They were followed by the likes of Tommy Cooper and Morecambe & Wise. All were legendary funnymen with natural ability and lots of warmth. Comedy should never be over-analysed. It’s either funny or it isn’t. There’s a subtle difference between those who say funny things and those who say things funny.”

How does the comedy of today differ from that of yesterday, Ken? “There was more ‘art’ to comedy years ago. Comics were masters of their craft. Today there are precious few places to learn that craft, and far too much emphasis is placed on tasteless material and sadly swearing is all too often being passed off as ‘comedy’.”

Nearly six decades on from making his professional debut at the old Nottingham Empire, he is nonplussed at the thought he should retire.

“How dare you! I’ve never even thought about retirement! Why should I when I love every second of doing my job? Anyway, it’s not really a job. I’ve been doing it for 58 years now and it’s more like a hobby, because I love it so much. I’m very lucky to be doing what I want to do – and being paid for it at the same time.”

So, how does Ken relax and unwind? He loves holidays at home and abroad and enjoys reading and simply relaxing. “I’m like everyone else”, he says. “I love my home, my favourite armchair, a good book and a bit of peace and quiet when I can grab it.

“To be honest, my favourite place is the theatre. I’m lucky because I never get tired of entertaining and making people laugh. Well, I do sometimes, but it doesn’t last for long. I think I’ve only had one day off in my entire career – and that was for suspected pneumonia.

“As long as people keep coming to my shows and laughing their heads off and enjoying themselves, then I will continue touring this great country of ours. It’s my love. It’s my life and I enjoy every single minute of it.

“And, by jove, they can’t touch you for it!”

• Ken Dodd’s Happiness Show, Grand Opera House, York, tomorrow at 7pm. Tickets update: still available but selling out fast on 0844 871 3024 or atgtickets.com/york