Q&A with BGT finalist Steve Royle

Milnrow-born comedian and juggler Steve Royle represented Lancashire in the final of Britain's Got Talent 2020, using his routine to have a dig at Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak.

Steve threw himself on the floor doing famous dance move 'the worm' and remarking: "Can I just say... if Rishi Sunak the Chancellor is watching this, some of us can't possibly be re-trained".

As judge Amanda Holden let out a hysterical laugh from the studio, Steve added: "This is what I do! It's comedy isn't it?! You've got to have a laugh in life!".

After his performance, Alesha Dixon commented: "You make us smile, you make us laugh and we need that right now!".

Style caught up with Steve to discuss northern humour, reaching the final three, and how it all began in Rochdale...

Style: How did you first get into acting and performing?

Steve: I was a member of Oldham Theatre Workshop as a teenager and that's where my love of acting and performing came from. Several years later (1990) I was working in a bar in Milnrow and a regular suggested I go to juggling classes at Oulder Hill School ran by Skylight Circus for a bit of fun. I did, and juggling took over my life! The comedy was quick to follow as I developed my act initially as a performer at Granada Studios tour.

Why did you first decide to audition for Britain's Got Talent?

Family and friends have been saying for years "you should go on BGT, you'd do great on that show" so I thought I'd finally give in just to prove them all wrong! Turns out, they were right. I also thought that as 2020 marked my 30th year in entertainment it would be a good way of celebrating that fact and give an added boost to the pantomime at The Grand Theatre Blackpool where I perform every year.

How did it feel to reach the final three?

It was amazing! I never dreamt I'd get to the final, let alone top three, so I was in total shock. It's not until later that you start to realise what it means. It's hard to comprehend that so many thousands of people voted for me and I will be eternally grateful to them all. Thank you.

What was your favourite moment of the competition?

I had so many memorable moments from each of the three stages [audition, semi-final and final]. However, the look on the judges faces when I fell off the stage will stay with me forever. Ashley Banjo was beating the desk with laughter and both Alesha and Amanda were crying. It was also great to get such favourable and genuine messages from David Walliams. He was always the one I wanted to impress the most as he's a comedian himself so it was wonderful to get such praise from him.

As a comic, what was it like performing to the virtual screen rather than to a live audience?

It was incredibly challenging. It certainly felt like a scene from a futuristic movie at times. All acts, but especially comedians, need an audience to bounce off and it's very difficult to perform to just four people in a huge television studio. Thankfully, the judges really threw themselves into the task and so they more than made up for the lack of audience. However, I tried to perform to the wall as much as possible just so it felt like a normal gig. My only fear was (like in a live theatre) being drawn to the only family who get up to make a brew whilst I was on stage! We comics have a habit of spotting the disinterested ones out there and worrying about them for days later!

Steve performing in the Britain's Got Talent final

You and BGT winner Jon Courtenay are both northerners... what is it about the northern sense of humour?

I would say it's probably a historical rather than hysterical thing. The North has always been the poorer area and often comedy is borne out of harsh realities and a need to find an escape. To be fair though, Jon is originally from Ipswich and he's still a funny man! (that said, I've been to Ipswich!)

It was lovely to see your family join you for the final performance - how did it feel to have them on stage with you?

Getting the family to perform with me in the final was fantastic, it allowed them to be part of the excitement too, even though my wife was way more nervous than I was. It all came about because the BGT producers loved the synchronised swimming idea and wanted me to make more of it. I thought it would be a great way to get the family involved and add a surprise element to the act too.

Who makes you laugh?

Bobby Ball. Such a sad loss and a huge influence on my career!

You have a huge fanbase now; how can people continue to support you?

Please send cheques or postal orders to...! Seriously though, I appreciate all the amazing support I've had from new friends and old. It's been incredible and very flattering. It would be great to see you all when I go on tour next year starting with The Lowry Theatre on 6th Feb 2021 (other nationwide dates on my website soon www.steveroyle.com). I'm also appearing in a shortened pantomime show called "Pandomonium" at the beautiful Grand Theatre Blackpool this Christmas from 18th Dec. Finally, myself and Tom Lister (Emmerdale) have filmed a pantomime for schools "Lost in Limboland" (more details at www.lrcproductions.co.uk)

Do you have any advice for aspiring comics?

Don't do it! Always joking! Just work hard and never give up. If you believe in yourself others will believe in you too.

Favourite Christmas cracker joke?

Two snowmen in a field. One says to the other "Can you smell carrots?".

Ruth Parkinson