FRANK Skinner MBE Loves his job. And he has no intention of retiring - it's no laughing matter.

He's good at it.. He knows it and audiences who have grown up with him know it, too.

It's an ongoing labour of love for the man born Christopher Collins in West Bromwich 67 years ago. 

Comedy comes naturally after 30 years of making people laugh.

So what better way to mark a milestone anniversary than going out on the road and selling out venues.

His latest tour is called 30 Years of Dirt  and will be coming back to Liverpool on November 17 at the Philharmonic Hall and then the Empire on November 24.

He has already sold out the Phil dates. Empire tickets are the hottest in town.

I ask, will it be a celebration of three decades of risqué humour?

The veteran funny man laughs out loud, Frank laughs frequently.

"Well, tours have titles just like albums and I was playing around with different ones then I used a line from the Three Lions song (his anthemic football collaboration with Ian Broudie and David Baddiel) 

''It actually started out cleaner than most of the other tours but has since gone muckier and filthier - so 30 years of dirt is apt."

So what can fans of the stand-up comic, actor, radio broadcaster, accomplished documentary-maker and now podcaster expect when they take to their seats?

''Some comedians go out there and their shows are all about personal tragedies.

"You get none of that with me. I just want to make people laugh. I like to tickle people. I tell jokes and gags.''

(Image: Liverpool Empire)

I remind him that was the mirth mission of that legendary fellow stand-up Ken Dodd.

Frank reflects: ''Doddy  went on performing to the very end. He loved what he did and it showed into his 90s.

''The word retirement never came up on Ken's mind and I see no reason to not go on and on.''

Frank's diary for 2025 illustrates that he is very much in-demand and is prepared to diversify.

''I have started a podcast which I am enjoying with every single new edition.

"I decided on doing it after being shown the door by Absolute Radio after 15 years. They didn't renew my contract so that was the end of that. I've always  loved that too. I have been lucky and then I move on.

"I have a new sit com for Radio 4  called The Do Gooders  - and I also have a forthcoming panel show.''

And proving that stand-up is always on his agenda, he exclusively tells the Globe.

''I will start writing the next tour, I am thinking about that now as we speak..

''And, before you ask, I haven't got a title yet. Any suggestions?

I say how about 'Frankly Speaking.'

There is a silence but then he says: "That's not bad."

Frank is clearly an open-minded, good listener.

The proud dad of one, says that when he is out on tour he likes to have a look around the places he is playing.

Something he does when on location for his many diverse TV series. A culture vulture.

He always enjoys his time on Merseyside on stage and off.

"Audiences here want  to laugh - they invite comedians to make them laugh and I don't need asking twice."

 And Mr Skinner is a Beatles fan so that is another reason for playing Liverpool.

''I started out as an Elvis fan - but how can you not like the Beatles? I mean, come on - what is there not to like?

"During this tour, I will try and see the childhood homes of Lennon and McCartney.''

And that leads to the question, in his line of work has he ever met any of the Fab Four?

''Yeah, I briefly met Paul at a concert, '' he says in his warm Midlands accent.

''I was with my partner and it was very strange -  because he came over to us at the after show and said to her 'Can I have a word with you?' and he walked away with her.

''From a distance I was looking at Paul McCartney chatting away to my girlfriend and I am wondering what on earth are they talking about?

''She eventually came back and it seems Paul had asked her if I was looking after her and treating her well?

And that was it?

''She did convince him I was looking after her. Well I hope she did.''

Away from showbiz, Frank wrote an insightful, personal spiritual book of sorts in 2021.

'A Comedian's Prayer Book' surprised many people but was a critical success even if  Graham Norton gave it the quickest ever plug on his show.

''He held it up and then changed the subject,'' recalls Frank.

Frank confesses: ''Shops couldn't decide if it was for the comedy shelf or the self help section.

''I regard it a self help book without the help.

 It was a brave move by the practicing Catholic. A departure for someone who loves his craft and communicating but always with a lot of pay off bonuses - laughter. 

Frank says he WILL always enjoy interacting with any audience members. 

"I started doing that when I did my first comedy club in the Midlands, there were no such venues back then outside London. So that's why I set up my own and acted as a compere.

"A link between the visiting comedians and the audience - I am still a compere in many ways - it's in-built.''

Frank, though, simply relishes making people laugh. End of story.

''Sometimes I will be laughing at a gag as if I am hearing it and telling it for the first time. 

"The audience must be thinking why on earth is he laughing when he already  knows the punchline?

"I know why it's because I make myself laugh. I am the funniest person I know.''

His loyal fans celebrating 30 years of pure stand-up magic would certainly agree.

Frank Skinner
30 Years of Dirt
Liverpool Empire November 24
Atgtickets.com