The day Doddy topped The Beatles

Ken Dodd spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside's Billy Butler

Liverpool comedian Ken Dodd has been recalling the time he topped the bill above The Beatles.

"There were four kids on the stage, one playing the packing case - and they were making the most awful noise you'd heard in your life," Ken told BBC Radio Merseyside's Billy Butler.

Ken Dodd's new book 'Look At It My Way' showcases pictures of him by photographer Stephen Shakeshaft.

His career began in 1956 when he made his debut at the Nottingham Empire.

Looking back on performing with The Beatles, Ken Dodd said he hadn't realised who they were, "Two years later they were on my radio show as guests, and Sir Paul said to me 'We've been on with you before Doddy, don't you remember that charity show in Maghull. We were shocking weren't we?'"

Comic taste

Speaking about his trial for tax evasion in 1989 and his relations with the tax authorities, "That's way back in history," Ken Dodd said.

"They still write to me, I got one the other day, one of those brown envelopes, a form, self assessment.

"Self assessment? I invented that."

Recalling some of the great comedians he had worked with Arthur Askey, Ted Ray, Bob Monkhouse and Tommy Cooper he asked, "Do you ever think we'll see their like again?"

"Comedy is like your taste in food and drink.

"Everyone has a different style and taste, if I tell you now who I think is absolutely fabulous some of you will disagree."

To listen to the full version of Billy Butler's interview with Ken Dodd go to BBC iPlayer .