Bobby Davro is back in the panto limelight and spills the magic beans on his latest role to Matthew Jenkin.

WITH more than 20 pantos under his belt, it would be fair to say Bobby Davro is a veteran of the annual festive show. Just don’t tell him that.

“I hate that word veteran,” said a husky-voiced Bobby.

The comedian was recovering from a heavy night out when I caught up with him at the launch of pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at The Orchard in Dartford.

Bemoaning his slightly portly figure, Bobby, who will play the role of Silly Billy, is grateful not to have been cast as the lead.

He said: “There was a time when I could climb up the beanstalk in an hour, but I think I’d need a stair lift to take me up there now.

“I always put in a month’s training before I come to pantomime because you have to be sharp and fit.

“I’m still feeling pretty alive, but I could do with losing a few pounds.”

Like the fairytale beanstalk, Bobby’s career is a story of ups and downs.

Once the face of prime time television, the funnyman faded into obscurity after the 1990s.

Bobby blames the rise of alternative comedy and reality TV for his flagging TV career.

He said: “There was a time when the general public would sit on the sofa and watch professional entertainers, but it is the other way round now.

“It’s frustrating because it’s the pros who need the exposure not the public.

“Talent on television is too disposable now. They’re there for five minutes and then pushed aside to allow the new bunch through.

“Sadly they’re not creating talent which is longlasting.”

His disappearance from our screens was coupled with depression — an illness he says he overcame through his love of comedy.

He said: “Laughter is the best medicine.

“When I went through a bout of depression during my divorce, which was my lowest time, I used to spend a lot of time feeling sorry for myself.

“Then I’d go off and do comedy shows and it was like a shot in the arm for me.”

In the last few years Bobby has risen from the ashes, bagging a short-lived role in EastEnders and competing in Dancing on Ice.

But for the last 25 years, Christmas has only meant one thing for Bobby – panto.

“I didn’t think it’s something I would still be doing now and I’m still learning from everyone I work with.

“It’s a cracking night, it really is, and I always make it funny.”

Jack and the Beanstalk. The Orchard, Home Gardens, Dartford. December 4 to January 9. Call 01322 220000 or visit orchardtheatre.co.uk