Charm, badger jokes and a laser harp: Bill's a true national treasure

BILL BAILEY recently recalled in an interview how he once performed to a solitary fan.

Last night was very different. The O2 was filled with more than 12,000 admirers relishing his latest show Thoughtifier, a unique hybrid of music, mirth and 24-carat whimsy.

The neatly bearded 59-year-old finds himself in an enviable if unusual position career-wise. His fanbase is a mix of loyal early followers who adore his esoteric references and those who discovered him following his Strictly Come Dancing win. It is a mark of his genius that he effortlessly strikes a balance that delights both demographics.