MORE than 30 years after his TV breakthrough as a finalist on Search For A Star, singer-impressionist Joe Longthorne will perform in Blackburn.

He became a household name, thanks to the popularity of 1980s variety shows — a genre which Britain’s Got Talent harks back to.

And Joe, who turns 57 next week and has made his home in the capital of variety, Blackpool, welcomes the re-emergance of variety on TV screens.

“I’m all for bringing new talent on; The Voice and Britain’s Got Talent are doing that,” he said.

“But while it may be a 90 minute show, there can be as little as 20 to 50 minutes on the performers and that is a shame.

“In my time on talent shows, there were still the massive working men’s clubs where artists could perform.

"Now, if you are on TV and don’t win there aren’t the same opportunities to perform afterwards: You are a huge star, then no-one, but there is at least a chance for people.”

Despite long-term health battles, he tours most years and will be recording a new album of original songs while on the road in 2012.

He said: “I’m looking forward to all of this year. As well as the UK, I’m touring in Spain and have a brand new album with all new songs — a writer found me and has written with an understanding of how I sing and the songs just fit like a glove.

“It’s wonderful on several accounts; it’s nice for someone to look at you and think ‘I can do something’ and that there were 25 songs sent to me, and every one fits perfectly, packaged as an album so all I have to do is sing them.

“Covers are nice, and everyone likes them, but to do original songs is great.However, writing them is a task for a full album. Singing is my art so I can grab this album by the horns, especially as the tour’s happening as well.”

Several years on from the depths of his health scare, which saw a priest read Joe the last rites on four occasions, being on stage is a greater blessing than ever.

From the age of 31, Joe fought lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, for more than 15 years, culminating in a bone marrow transplant in 2005, but has rebuilt his career since recovering.

“I have been lucky to have had an illness like that and to have kept going,” he admits, and dedicates much of his work now to creating a greater awareness of the disease.

“Now, coming out of it and looking back, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Cancer hasn’t changed me, but it has changed my outlook towards other people and to being able to do something to help.

“It’s a wonderful gift being able to entertain, but I have to give something back.

“After hospital, there wasn’t time to take time out; the first thing you want to do at that time is work. I tasked myself to get back to work in six months. It’s something familiar and, more importantly, enjoyable. The feeling of performing is great medicine. Normal life can be fantastic after illness.”

Joe Longthorne, King George’s Hall, Blackburn, Friday, May 25, 7.30pm. Tickets £20, £18.50 concessions from 0844 847 1664.