JIM Davidson is set to celebrate four decades in show business with a brand new stage play, which visits Southampton in November.

Written and developed by Jim, who lives in Stockbridge, 40 Years On is a heartfelt and hilarious autobiographical reflection on his legendary career.

Funny, poignant and at times searingly honest, 40 Years On looks back at Jim’s triumphs and tragedies, from his breakthrough on New Faces in 1976, through to winning Celebrity Big Brother in 2014. Jim will take audiences on a trip down memory lane, regaling them with never-before-heard stories, as he reminisces on the highs, lows and controversies of a unique life spent in the public eye.

Of 40 Years On, Jim said; “I’m very much looking forward to sharing 40 Years On with audiences in theatres across the country. The piece is an honest and raw reflection of my life over the last 40 years both in the spotlight and personally. Much of my life has been lived out with the nation watching, so what better way to set the record straight and hear the stories but from my perspective and it in my own words.”

Jim Davidson OBE, one of Britain’s top stand-up comedians, first came to prominence on in 1976 when he won TV talent show New Faces. Since then he has hosted prime time family TV shows including The Generation Game and Big Break. He has topped the bill in many theatres in London’s West End and across the UK. As a film actor Jim has starred alongside John Malkovich in Colour Me Kubrick.

Jim founded the British Forces Foundation in 2000 and his unrivalled work with British Service Personnel has included five visits to the Falkland Islands and countless engagements across the world entertaining British troops. He was awarded an OBE for his services to charity in 2001 and has coveted Showbusiness Personality of The Year Awards from the Variety Club of Britain.

Jim founded Hampshire charity Care After Combat with Simon Weston. A UK based charity; Care After Combat provides professional assistance for the well-being of the Veteran and their family.

40 Years On is at 02 Guildhall Southampton on November 8.

Box Office: 023 8063 2601 or o2guildhallsouthampton.co.uk