STAND-UP comic Davie Spikey loves working with words.

And he hopes his take on the English language will delight audiences at Huddersfield Town Hall next month

Famed for his starring role in Channel 4’s Phoenix Nights and captaining comedy game-show 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Spikey’s ironically titled Words Don’t Come Easy tour is all about “the use and abuse of the English language”.

He said: “Abuse of words is happening more in all walks of life.

“I include politician-speak, police-speak, news headlines, song lyrics and, of course, hospital-speak and the strange and different language they use in there.”

Dave, who used to work in a lab before he embarked on his comedy career, said that being based in the north had helped him.

He said: “I never wanted to go down to London as I was happy where I was. I’d started late in comedy so I was quite settled and I was happy to go around the few comedy clubs in the north and try them out.

“I get a great deal of inspiration from my surroundings and by the people who inhabit that world. In London, from my observations, you can get a little bit clique with people on the circuit and whilst in time you’d probably make friends, I would miss the huge circle of family and friends that I have here.

“I think life becomes a lot different for the comedians who move down there who inevitably end up only hanging around with other comics and showbiz chums.”

Dave is also enjoying presenting the third series of the TV Book Club on Channel 4 with fellow comedian Jo Brand.

The double British Comedy Award winner’s career highlights also include writing Phoenix Nights with Neil Fitzmaurice and Bolton comedian Peter Kay, writing comedy dramas Dead Man Weds and Magnolia and hosting the new series of Bullseye.

Dave said that a sense of daftness has influenced his comedy.

“I think that people from the north have a great sense of humour about everyday things, and because that constantly surrounds you it gradually insinuates itself into your subconscious as you learn from your contemporaries and your mum, dad and extended family.

“I always say that life is a comedy-drama.”

Dave will appear at Huddersfield Town Hall on Thursday November 17.

The show, which begins at 7.30pm costs £17.50 per ticket.

For more information visit www.kirklees.gov.uk or call 01484 223200.