How tickled I am to turn 90, says Doddy
COMEDY legend Sir Ken Dodd celebrated his 90th birthday in style yesterday at a civic lunch in his honour.
Wielding his tickling stick, he said: “If I’d have known I was going to live till 90, I’d have taken better care of myself.”
As he was honoured by his home city of Liverpool, he put his long life down to one thing – laughter.
He said: “You have treasures – sight, hearing and the gift of laughter. You have choices in life. You can be bad, sad or happy. I chose the third one.
“Life has been wonderful to me so far. So, this is a day of thanksgiving. It’s exciting and thrilling to be 90. What are my plans for the future? To be 101.”
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO THE SQUIRE OF KNOTTY ASH...
Sir Ken and his partner Anne Jones arrived at Liverpool Town Hall yesterday for the special celebration with city dignitaries, plus family and friends.
The self-styled Squire of Knotty Ash continued: “To see people laughing is a wonderful thing. Laughter’s the best sound in the world. Music to my ears.
“My advice to people is enjoy your life, enjoy everything and find happiness. It’s there if you look for it. It’s been a wonderful day so far and here I am in the town hall. Never thought I would make it, me, Ken Dodd from Knotty Ash. By Jove.”
He was treated to a performance of his hit Happiness by children from Knotty Ash primary school – where he was just a “Diddyman” himself 80 years ago.
Mayor Malcolm Kennedy said: “To borrow a line from Sir Ken, how tickled we are to be honouring him on the very special occasion of his 90th birthday.
“He has been entertaining this nation now for an incredible 65 years.”