Dodd started his career as a ventriloquist - and indeed still uses the Dicky Mint dummy in his act.

However, his success came through his exaggerated on-stage persona - the manic hairstyle, protruding teeth and, of course, trademark tickling stick - combined with a relentless stream of one-liners, peppered with nonsense words like 'tattifilarious', that can - and do - entertain audiences for hours.

He built his reputation as a live performer on the variety stage, and famously logs audience reactions to jokes every night, building up a picture of what plays well where.

His career was boosted with appearances on TV, often just guest roles, but his bizarre appearance would always stick in the mind. He also has a penchant for sickly ballads, as well as his signature tune Happiness, recording several albums of love songs and notching up 19 top 40 hits, including the 1965 chart-topper Tears.

Dodd became embroiled in a tax-dodging case in the Eighties, and was eventually cleared, but the case revealed much about Dodd's eccentric private life, too.

CV

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Had the pleasure of my first Doddy show this year in Blackpool and after 6 hrs + went home totally tickled. He is the king of the comedians and its the best £10 I have ever spent. Doddy may you go on forever

Kevan Pattison, October 2005

Ken Dodd, the greatest. Keep going Ken, and thank you for all the laughter.

[Anon], October 2005

Ken Dodd is the best and no one will ever beat him. Lets hope we have many more years of his brilliant sense of humour

Gwinny, August 2005

When will this man get the true recognition he deserves. All of the best 'old timers' like Mick Miller, Norman Collier and Doddy have stayed the course because they've retained their child-like air of bonkersness. I am amazed and disapppointed to see that he isn't involved in Liverpool Comedy Festival. Treasure

Andy H, July 2005

Having seen Ken at the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield, July 16. I must say the evening was magical. There are few entertainers who are at his level. He is a comic genius. We laughed and laughed, and my mother now 81, who had not been well lately said she had never felt happier. So I am personally grateful to Ken. It proves the saying laughter is the best medicine. Thank you Ken for an unforgettable evening.

Frances McKenna, July 2005

Ken is a fantastic humble man, I have worked with him numerous times and every time he has been so humble and caring. A man who is the same on or off the stage. A credit to comedy and such a credit to theatre.

David, June 2005

Ken Dodd is definately a one-off! I've watched his tapes so many times I know the script, but still laugh to the point of crying. One Christmas, over dinner, I laughed so much at his routine I had to be carried to the sofa because my friends thought I was having a fit. May you live forever, Ken

Nigel, June 2005

I went to see Ken Dodd on 11th June and couldn't believe how good he was. His show lasted for five and a half hours; he is a comic genius, especially for his age. I don't think there is a living comic who could match his stamina. He really is one of the best

Kim Barker, June 2005

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