10 Questions for Bobby Crush

After winning Opportunity Knocks in the ’70s, Bobby went on to headline numerous shows at the London Palladium. He wrote the Top 5 hit I Wish I Could Fly for kids’ favourite Orville, and he’ll appear in Summer Holiday at the Edinburgh Playhouse, June 19-23. He’s in Last Laugh In Vegas, ITV, Tuesdays, 9pm, in which veteran British variety stars reminisce in the resort city.

WAS FILMING IN VEGAS ALL PLAIN SAILING?

I hated the bit where we were asked to stand in the order of how famous we thought we were. I held back, but Jess Conrad pushed forward saying he was the most recognisable. He took over and rode roughshod over everyone to bag the best bedroom, too.

WHY DID YOU DO THE SHOW?

Everyone in showbiz wanted to do it. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play Vegas. Also I like a challenge, and working with Jess Conrad is certainly that.

SO, NOT EVERYONE GOT ON THEN?

You’ll find Su Pollard, Anita Harris, Bernie Clifton and I were great mates.

DID YOU HAVE TO AUDITION?

We had meetings with the show’s producers, and their long list became shorter. My agent would ring and say I was in the last 25, then the last dozen or so, till the final eight were chosen.

DID THE PRODUCERS MANIPULATE EVENTS?

After a long flight, then immigration and a two-hour drive, we were utterly exhausted. So I had a hissy fit, captured on film, when my Liberace tribute wasn’t even on the rehearsal schedule. I’m sure that was deliberate as it miraculously reappeared.

ANY REGRETS ABOUT DOING THE SHOW?

None. I stayed true to myself. I’ve always been a people-pleaser but now, at 64, I stand up for myself. And I can always say I got a standing ovation in Vegas.

HOW DO TODAY’S TALENT SHOWS DIFFER FROM YOUR DAY?

When I did Opportunity Knocks, 15 or 16 million watched. Now it’s a fraction of that. Also, any critical letters sent to me were intercepted by the secretaries. Today, with social media, everyone’s a critic.

DO YOU STILL GET ROYALTIES FROM

ORVILLE’S SONG?

That paid off my mortgage. It’s still played at Christmas as it was a festive hit, but I think the last royalty cheque I had was for about £4.50.

ANY CHANCE THE VEGAS ACTS WILL GET TOGETHER AGAIN?

There’s talk of a live, touring show.

YOU HAVE 24 HOURS LEFT TO LIVE. HOW DO YOU SPEND IT?

My friends and I would have champagne, then walk to Waterloo Bridge to see the best views of London. I’d take in a West End show with lots of sequins, then I’d go out listening to Dusty Springfield or Johnny Mathis. I’ve

had the most fantastic life.