Ricky Tomlinson doesn't think modern comedians are funny.

Ricky Tomlinson

Ricky Tomlinson

The 80-year-old actor - who starred as Jim Royle in 'The Royle Family' - has revealed he's not a fan of the new wave of comedians, saying "audiences are getting cheated" by their on-stage acts.

Ricky shared: "It's not that I don't like them. I don't think they're funny! I think they should be done under the Trade Descriptions Act, the audiences are getting cheated.

"Ken Dodd could do five hours on stage! Some young comics can't do 15 minutes."

Ricky currently appears alongside his former 'Royle Family' co-star Ralf Little in 'Ricky And Ralf's Very Northern Road Trip'.

But the veteran actor joked he almost landed the role of Captain Ross Poldark in the BBC drama 'Poldark'.

Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, Ricky quipped: "Did anyone watch 'Poldark'? You know it was between me and Aidan Turner for that part, but I was too tall!

"Can you imagine me running along the beach with no shirt on?"

'Ricky and Ralf's Very Northern Road Trip' sees the actors drive around the north of England in a campervan to discover the wonders the UK has to offer.

During their road trip, Ricky and Ralf share memories of their time working with one another and share a few jokes.

Discussing the show, Ricky previously said: "People are always going on about exotic holidays here, luxury cruises there, finding your inner-self wherever.

"Now, don't get me wrong, I love a bit of sun on the Med as much as the next man - but for my money, there's everything you could ever want on your doorstep here in the north of England - and no better way to see it than in your own home on wheels."


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