Audiences instinctively warm to Ward's naturally friendly demeanour and likeable and effusive stage manner.

His routines are always enjoyable - if not, perhaps, that memorable - but his strength is building an atmosphere where laughter flourishes, which is why he is so sought-after as a compere.

Such innate skills mean he is virtually guaranteed to be well-received, especially as his material is so universal, making him a reliably funny addition to any bill.