Yorkshire born Billy Pearce emerged from the fertile talent fields of Butlin’s — where he was a red coat — and the fruitfiul training grounds of the northern club circuit to become one of Britain's most talented comedians.

If proof were needed for this positive statement of fact, then the 1994 British comedy awards provided it, with the award of top live theatre variety entertainer — an award won against very high profile opposition. Billy, though, is no stranger to awards.

In his formative comedy years he was voted club mirror’s solo comedian of the year by his fellow professionals, and followed this with best television comedy newcomer at the London Palladium.