Q. Who makes you laugh?
Of the young comics, it’s Peter Kay.
Q. What is your most embarrassing moment?
I had a mental block on Sunday Night Live, with who was on next – it was Petula Clarke – and I said, “Here’s somebody who needs no introduction from me”. She came up to me at the end of the show and said, “that’s the nicest introduction I’ve ever had”.
Q. What is your favourite golf course?
On the Island, its Shanklin & Sandown.
Q. Who’s the better golfer – you or Bruce Forsyth?
Bruce could never beat me!
Q. If you couldn’t play golf, what sport/hobby would you do instead?
Football. I love football.
Q. Have you been to the Island before?
Oh many times. I’ve done three big seasons here. I was in the shows when the pier burnt down at Sandown. I’m very fond of the Isle of Wight; it’s a lovely place.
Q. What is your favourite restaurant?
Salty’s in Yarmouth sticks out a mile to me.
Q. You support Liverpool FC. How do you see their prospects for the coming season?
I think they’ve got a great chance of winning the 2007 Premier league.
Q. Of the numerous game shows that you have hosted, what one was your favourite?
I suppose it would have to be Winner takes All as I did it for 15 years and it was very enjoyable for me. Being honest, it was very lucrative and kept me on television and it was very easy hosting to do – I enjoyed it immensely.
Q. And your least favourite?
Room 101. I didn’t enjoy that at all.
Q. What was it like appearing in your daughter’s show – Linda Green?
It was very enjoyable and I was very proud to see what a great actress she is.
Q. What gives you the motivation to keep going in show business?
When I stop enjoying it, I’ll stop doing it.
Q. What are the highlights of your professional career?
Without being bumptious, I’ve had a lot. The first night on the Palladium when I was about 22 – there was 20 million viewers, the first Michael Parkinson show I did, several Royal Command performances, President Forbes Ball in California with Bob Hope. I love going around the world and seeing people laugh at me.
Q. And your personal life?
Seeing my children and grandchildren growing up.
Q. What is the most memorable event you have spoken at?
Easy. Buckingham Palace at a private dinner with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Second to that is 10 Downing Street with world leaders. You are given a free licence as an after dinner speaker, but you cut your cloth accordingly.
Q. When did you realise that you had diabetes?
I was at a dinner in Portugal and I suddenly didn’t feel very well.
Q. Did it change your life?
It just made me aware. I don’t inject, I have tablets. I understand the disease better and know what it does – it leads to more heart attacks, more amputations, it’s unbelievable and kids are so obese nowadays they are becoming diabetics. I still have good fun – this is what life’s all about – it’s not a rehearsal.
Q. How did you become involved with Diabetes UK?
Harry Secombe died and his wife asked me to take over as President of Diabetes UK, following Harry.
Q. What things give you the grump nowadays?
Lack of manners – People not saying yes please and no thank you. A lack of discipline in life in general. People swearing.
Q. What do you think of comedy programmes that push it to the max?
That’s not my type of comedy. It doesn’t appeal to me.