CONTROVERSIAL comedy act Dapper Laughs is set to take to the stage in Hampshire.

The comedy character, created by Daniel O’Reilly has been at the centre of heavy criticism after it was claimed he joked about rape at one of his gigs – which he denies.

Now as part of his live comeback he will be coming to Southampton on June 29, where he will be at The Joiners Arms in St Mary Street.

The London-based comic previously had a show on ITV2 called Dapper Laughs: On The Pull which was accused of being degrading to women, while his nationwide tour was at the centre of controversy over comments he made over a female member of the audience.

His show was then axed in November 2014 following public outcry saw more than 68,000 people signing an online petition which called on the channel to cancel his show.

The petition stated: “O’Reilly’s attitudes towards women, and ITV’s backing in particular, are far from harmless however: because ITV has granted O’Reilly the massive exposure and credibility of its platform, everyday sexism is being normalised for both young men and women.”

Daniel O’Reilly initially said he would retire Dapper Laughs but has since revived his act, although he  was forced to cancel a series of tour dates in February.

Despite the controversy Dapper Laughs has gained a huge audience on social media with 1.8m likes on Facebook and 366,000 Twitter followers.

The gig will start at 8.30pm and admission is for over 18s only and costs £16.50.