Christopher Biggins doesn't think he'll miss pantomime.
Christopher Biggins
The 67-year-old comedian - who kick-started his budding career in 1965 playing Rat in 'Dick Whittington' - may have spent the last 40 years on stage but he's convinced he'll breathe a sigh of relief once he closes the door on his extravagant wardrobe and waves goodbye to theatre for good at the end of next year following a tough few months.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz at his Big Brunch in support of Barnardo's at London's The Waldorf Hilton today (20.04.16), he said: "I'm really busy but last year I was absolutely exhausted - it's been a bad couple of years. You sort of think to yourself that life is very precious.
"For 40 years I've done panto every year and you're not only on stage all the time but you're also in the wings changing into 13 different costumes so it takes its toll.
"I'm not getting any younger so I don't want to get to the stage where I'm carried on by male dancers and have a bucket in the wing to pee into. I want to quit while I'm ahead. I don't think I'll miss it."
And, although he's no longer keen on entertaining on stage, the funnyman - who is known for his contagious laughter and catchphrase "naughty naughty" - will still watch plenty of his friends - including Linda Robson - in pantomime.
He said: "I'll end up going to see a lot of pantomimes."
To host a Barnardo's Big Brunch and raise money to transform the lives of vulnerable children please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/brunch.
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