He’s known for his near-the-knuckle humour and risqué outfits, but Kent’s own Julian Clary is also carving a niche making children laugh.

The comedian, who lives in Aldington, is now on his third children’s book, which promises to be fantastically funny – and there’s not an innuendo in sight.

Julian’s been writing about the Bolds, a family of hyenas living in disguise as humans in London for several years now and his latest instalment sees them head off on holiday.

Making youngsters laugh is a source of joy and still some novelty for Julian, 57.

He said: “These stories flow out of me, I don’t know where they’re all coming from. It’s delightful – I just have such a lovely time writing them.

“Making children laugh is a whole new thing for me, it’s lovely. No child pretends to laugh – it’s very genuine. It’s obviously a world away from my usual filth but that’s liberating. A whole new world.”

He’ll be discussing The Bolds on Holiday in a special appearance which sees him heading down the road to Cranbrook, for the town’s literature festival.

With illustrator David Roberts, the pair will talk about The Bolds 3: The Bolds on Holiday, which will be released next year.

Heading out of the suburbia of Teddington, the Bolds take a well-deserved break, down by the sea with their extended family in tow, heading for a spot of camping in Cornwall.

But it’s never long before trouble sniffs the hyenas out. Bobby is mistaken for a pup and snatched by a wicked dognapper and the Bolds will need all their ingenuity to hunt her down and rescue all the pilfered pooches.

Julian said: “I have some hyena hilarity for you. Do you think they have any idea how to put up a tent? Do you think the twins, Bobby and Betty get up to some serious mischief in the sand dunes? Does Mr Bold tell more of his ridiculous jokes at inappropriate moments?

“The Bolds are alive and well in my mind. It’s a bit like the Just William books, of which there were about 45. I feel like I can go on and on with them. Whether the public want me to or not. I think they’re funny and morally sound and very plot-driven. I guess because I enjoy writing them so much that somehow comes across.”

Julian’s had a three-decade career in showbusiness, but is also a presenter, as well as author and established pantomime star. His colourful career has seen him win Celebrity Big Brother in 2012 and become a bestselling novelist.

He still goes on tour, the most recent of which was The Joy of Mincing earlier this year.

The distinctive illustrations in The Bolds were nominated for the 2016 Kate Greenaway Medal and David Roberts, originally a milliner, returns for the third instalment.

He has worked with children’s authors including Jacqueline Wilson and Julia Donaldson.

DETAILS

Julian Clary and illustrator David Roberts will be at the Queen’s Hall Theatre on Saturday, October 1 at 2.30pm. The ticketed event, which is suitable for ages seven and over, costs £6 each.

The Cranbrook Literature Festival is on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1.
For details and to book visit cranbrookliteraturefestival.com

The Bolds on Holiday hardback is released on February 2, 2017, and will cost £10.99.