Television icon Jimmy Tarbuck has revealed a surprising new career move at the age of 86, landing a role in a horror movie titled A Hand To Hold after years of retirement from comedy. The Liverpudlian legend plays a man of the cloth in the twisted indie short, delivering a performance that has introduced him to a whole new fanbase.
Jimmy, 86, shared: "Well, I was approached, and they said, 'We've got this idea. Would you play a priest?' I thought, 'Well, that's good. I want to take the confessions.'" The darkly comic film was a family affair, with his daughter Cheryl Tarbuck serving as production designer and his grandchildren also part of the art team. He added: "My daughter brought the script over and I read it and I liked it. It was so strange and funny, it had me hooked. Plus, there was the opportunity to work with Louis and Tattia, my grandchildren. I think trying something new is always good. It keeps you young."
Similarities Between Horror and Comedy
The veteran entertainer believes there are parallels between horror and comedy, stating: "I think it's a human reaction to make jokes in awful situations. It helps us cope somehow. I'm the local priest, an old boy wanting a quiet life and a Guinness. I've seen everything, but this is new even for me. Imagine walking into a room and seeing the blood and horror, but trying not to be distracted as I have to pray."
Health Scare and Relief
A Hand to Hold deals with death and mortality, themes particularly close to home after Jimmy's recent health scare. The comedian, who has battled prostate and skin cancer, recently feared the disease may have returned. He recounted: "A couple of weeks ago I went to the hospital, The Royal Marsden in Chelsea. The doctor said, 'Sit down.' I thought, 'Here we go'. He said, 'I need to tell you… your bloods are clear, and there is no sign of cancer'. Well, it was the biggest relief. I was frightened. I do not want to go just yet. I've still got so much I want to do."
No Plans to Slow Down
Despite being in his ninth decade, Jimmy has no intention of slowing down. He plays golf a couple of days a week and is set to perform the second date of his one-man tour tonight in Eastbourne, East Sussex. When asked what audiences can expect, he said: "They will hear some good gags and in the second half they'll see pictures from my career and can ask questions about my life, places I've been, people I've met and worked with. It's like a night with an old friend, a good laugh and a chance to forget any problems and to enjoy themselves."
Career Reflections
Born in Liverpool, Jimmy became one of Britain's biggest stars after being discovered at Butlin's as a teenager. He headlined the London Palladium, hosted hit television shows including Winner Takes All, Full Swing and Tarby's Frame Game, and became a regular fixture of Saturday night TV. He appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2006 but was forced to withdraw early due to health issues. Looking back, he treasures certain moments more with age: "The London Palladium will always have a big place in my heart as it was the start of my career and my mum, dad and family got to see me."
He also values friendships built over decades in showbiz, listing stars like Harry Secombe, Frankie Vaughan, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Elvis. He added: "It's down to Tom and me to keep on going. But he is a nice man. I love him and, what's more, he tells you the truth. He's in America at the moment, making an album that's going to be great." Their friendship stretches back decades, and Jimmy dedicated his autobiography, Laughter is the Best Medicine, to the Welsh superstar. "He's my best pal in showbusiness. He still sings marvellously at the age of 86. If it were up to me, I'd put him on the Royal Variety Show at the top of the bill and I'd have me on for 10 minutes to introduce him."
Loss of Friends and Changing Comedy
With a tinge of sadness, Jimmy admits getting older has meant saying goodbye to many close friends, including Ronnie Corbett, Bruce Forsyth, Michael Parkinson, Tommy Cooper, Kenny Lynch, and Cilla Black. He said: "I cannot believe that it's 11 years this August since we lost Cilla. We were very close. She'd be the first one to come up to me and I'd go, 'Where the bloody hell have you been?' She was a grand girl."
Jimmy acknowledges comedy has changed since he started, but insists the best performers of his era have stood the test of time. "Funny is still funny. Tommy Cooper, Eric and Ernie, The Two Ronnies… that sort of thing. You don't have to eff and blind. Believe me, there's nothing wrong with a dirty gag, but you cannot go on there with your missus and your daughter in the audience and you are swearing. You've got to show respect."
Marriage and Future
Perhaps that attitude is the secret to his long marriage to Pauline, who has been by his side through every high and low. When asked about their 67-year union, Jimmy laughed: "She says it's 65 too long." And quizzed over how they will celebrate their next anniversary, he said: "I shall put a bomb in the yard."
A Hand to Hold is screening at film festivals globally this year.
