Songs of Praise Doddy tickled

Oct 6 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

Ken Dodd in fine singing voice with Choristers of the Year winners William Dutton and Emma Whitley, infront of the cameras recording Songs of Praise at Knotty Ash Parish Church.

HE HAS appeared in scores of television programmes over the years – but for Ken Dodd, being asked to be the subject of a special edition of Songs of Praise was a first.

Filmed at some of his favourite parts of the city and the parish church where he sang in the choir as a boy, the show will coincide with a milestone birthday for the veteran enter- tainer, who turns 80 next month.

Yesterday, the crew shot the final part of the programme at St John the Evangelist Church, in Knotty Ash, where Ken was a choirboy for six years, and where he still worships today.

The show will air on Sunday, November 4, with the comedian’s birthday following four days later.

Producer John Forrest said it was going to be a “brilliant programme”. Needless to say, there was a typical Doddy reaction when he was invited to go on the programme.

He told the Daily Post: “I thought it was wonderful to be asked. I was thrilled, excited, and full of plumptiousness that they were going to put Knotty Ash on the map.”

But the Happiness singer, who performs around 150 times a year and is famed for his lengthy gigs, remained coy about his age and philosophical about reaching 80.

He said: “If it’s your birthday, I think it’s best to enjoy it – after all, you’re still here.

“If I was a dog, I’d be ten and a little bit, I’m sticking to that.

“I think I’m still 35.

“The doctor asked how old I was and I said I’m approaching 50. He said, ‘from which direction?’”

Songs of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes accompanied Ken around the city for two weeks of filming, visiting some of his favourite places on the way – including both cathedrals, the Scandinavian church on Park Lane, and a ferry across the Mersey.

The programme will feature music from the Liverpool Cathedral Choir, gospel group Love and Joy, and the BBC’s Young Choristers of the Year.

He also had the chance to perform himself, and filmed a musical version of the poem Footprints on Ainsdale beach for the show. Recently, Songs of Praise has featured other personalities including opera singers Bryn Terfel and Katherine Jenkins.

Mr Forrest said: “Ken talks about his faith, humour, and Liverpool. He loves life and loves people, and he is wonderful company.

“He’s good fun to be with and clearly the people of Liverpool love him.”

vickyanderson