His task was to discover local stories and speak to local characters and then to start his show with the new material.

Dave – who used to come to Morecambe for holidays when he was a kid – visited Frontierland, the Winter Gardens, the Eric Morecambe statue, and Lubins cafe.

He also talked to me about my now world-famous 'Grim Reaper' story (about a man who got drunk and ended up breaking into Morecambe town hall, emerging dressed in a Grim Reaper costume).

As you can read on page 27 this week it was included in the opening part of his act.

The crew filmed the Phoenix Nights star and myself for an upcoming Richard and Judy programme, which was incredibly nerve-wracking but a great experience.

Before the filming started, our own Visitor video expert Stuart Bannerman filmed us chatting about Dave's visit, and looking at the newspaper with the 'Reaper' story.

Dave said: "It's all about comedy with association, which I do a lot.

It helps you connect with the audience and gives me a nice way into the show.

"I've been trying to fulfil a challenge to incorporate stories into my act and interview local characters as well.

"I used to come to Morecambe as a kid and remember the illuminations in Happy Mount Park.

"I have really happy memories of Frontierland. My favourite ride was the caterpillar which had a long carriage where you could have a snog.

"Red Rum the racehorse came to the Crazy Horse Saloon once to open it.

"I'm sure it was two drunk blokes from Nelson dressed up in a horse costume.

"I went to Bubbles today but that's not there either – someone let all the water out.

"Saw the Winter Gardens as well, apparently there are a variety of ghosts in there.

"We also saw one of the world's fastest ever one-man bands (Morecambe's Pete Moser) and he gave us a tune.

"I was a massive Eric Morecambe fan – he had everything in terms of timings and looks. He loved the town so much he took its name."

After our own video stint it was time for the really scary stuff – being filmed for Richard and Judy.

I was miked-up and given the run-down on rough outlines of the piece.
We filmed a longer interview and a shorter interview in which I told Dave all about the Grim Reaper story.

He listened incredulously as the story of the disastrous night out in Morecambe unfolded and chipped in with comic additions to the tale.

All too soon it was finished and the crew moved onto filming the two lovely ladies in Lubins cafe – Tricia Milner and her 84-year-old mother Mrs Cornthwaite.

Once this had been filmed it was time for Dave to have something to eat and rest before his two-hour long performance at The Platform.

I felt exhilarated afterwards and the adrenaline was still pumping – I had survived my first filmed television interview.

Dave was a great person to talk to and really made me feel at ease – although he is very famous he's also down to earth and approachable.
I'm glad I was able to provide him with some good material for his show which the audience could relate to.

As Dave would say 'Comedy gold!'

n Dave's performance at The Platform was in aid of Animals Asia charity. The filming done in Morecambe will be featured on Richard and Judy sometime before Dave's tour starts for real on February 9.

Keep an eye out in The Visitor for the exact date.

Thanks to 'Fancy That' fancy dress shop on Queen Street for lending Dave their scythe for his performance at The Platform.