WOULD Mr Charles like to interview Basil Brush...on the phone?

Er, yes, of course, we would. Who could resist such a foxy invitation to quiz the "cheeky, irreverent, charming, naughty, quick witted, scheming, but at the same time kind, caring and affectionate" entertainment legend, whose showbiz career stretches back to 1968 on BBCTV.

The reason for the call is to learn more about The Full On Fox Tour 2015, wherein The Basil Brush Show takes to the road in tandem with Mr Stephen, alias puppet-master Chris Pizzey, with the promise of mayhem aplenty in the company of the naughty, uncontrollable Basil.

Dialling the Brush mobile phone, it is indeed Basil at the other end of the line. Well, let's take it in good faith that it is Basil, even if it feels a bizarre experience to be interviewing a glove puppet. "Hello Mr Charles, I'm having a little cup of coffee and some Gingernuts, because I like dunking them, and a small plate of Jelly Babies," he says, by way of introduction. "And the funny thing is, I'm in disguise because of autograph hunters, so I've had to paint my brush pink."

Pink paint, Basil? "You go to Homebase and you just have to dunk your tail in a tin, like with a Gingernut, and then people think you're candyfloss."

Basil has been living out of a suitcase for much of 2015. "I've been on tour since February, though I don't call it a tour; it's a pilgrimage for all those who've known me since the 1960s," he says.

He has time on his hands for touring after his reynard renaissance on CBBC since 2002 came to an end. "We've just finished after 12 years," he says, sounding a tad forlorn.

Why now? Why is the nation's favourite fox no longer on the Beeb box? "That's what I said. Get me back. Basil is the only talking fox," he says. "But now everything is on YouTube, and we've just filmed 32 brand new sketches with Mr Stephen, who was with me on CBBC. That's for my official Basil Brush channel on YouTube. I've gone digital."

Does Basil feel fox-hounded out of mainstream children's TV? "It was rather horrible of them, but everyone has their time, though it was done very nicely. It's not like I've behaved like Jeremy Clarkson. I haven't punched anyone in the face. I couldn't reach the knees." Boom! Boom!

Mr Charles takes the chance to congratulate Basil for keeping his looks after so many years under the studio spotlight. "All I'll say is that anyone who thinks I've had a facelift is talking out of their Botox. Everyone keeps saying I've been around as long as Des O'Connor, but at least I have my own teeth! I think the best thing to do when you do grow old is to grow your own fur."

As for the ever-dapper attire, how does Basil stay on trend in his green jacket, check waistcoat and red and white polka-dotted cravat? "I had flares in the Seventies, but I kept being chased by packs of hounds. I go to Baby Gap now, so I'm down with the kids' new colours."

Can the cravat ever become fashionable again, Basil? "Well, Mr Charles, it's better than wearing a little dickie bow. I'm an urbane fox," he says. "I'm going black tie for a children's awards ceremony at the West Yorkshire Playhouse."

Basil's fox trot around the country has stretched from winter to spring to summer, but why is it called The Full On Fox Tour. "When I said 'full on, it's because I looked at the schedule of 108 dates and I thought, 'that's full on; it's a full-on fox tour," he says, before advocating his regime for staying as sharp as other foxes' teeth. "Most foxes like to get back to the countryside but I like to get back to the hotel after shows."

His CBBC days may be behind him, but rather than boom boom and bust, Basil Brush still has his television moments. "I recorded an episode of Pointless in June, when I made a surprise appearance, and I've already won The Weakest Link in the past," he says, recalling how he outfoxed his opponents. "They thought I'd be as daft as a brash but in fact I was as cunning as a fox." Boom! Boom!

Boom! Boon! indeed. Finally Basil, what is your tip for exclaiming Boom! Boom! with the maximum impact? "I lean backwards to make the throat wide enough to make a loud Boom! Boom! from the bottom of my bottom," he advises.

It was time for this brush with Basil to conclude. Mr Charles could not possibly say whether Mr Stephen was in any way involved in this foxy encounter.

Basil Brush in The Full On Fox Tour 2015, Grand Opera House, York, Wednesday, 2.30pm. Tickets cost £15 on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york