ENTERTAINER Joe Longthorne is to be featured in a new documentary that will explore his life and work.
The film, which is set to be screened on British television in spring, was recorded last week after the Hull-born entertainer received his MBE at Buckingham Palace.
In the interviewer's chair was Neil Sean, the established showbusiness journalist who first met Joe while working for Sky News.
"I have interviewed many different people – I've met everybody you could want to meet – but he really touched me, he is such a down-to-earth person," said Neil, who had suggested making the documentary to Joe.
"Sometimes you get the feeling they are play-acting when they are talking about their charity work – with Joe, I think he genuinely wants to do good with his life."
The 90-minute chat, which was recorded at the Westminster Live studios overlooking the Thames, took place after a camera crew had accompanied Joe to the Palace.
The Blackpool-based singer, who grew up in Hull's Hessle Road, was awarded the MBE for his services to charity – through his support for organisations including the Variety Club of Great Britain and Cancer Research UK.
"We could not film the investiture but when you go into the Palace for Joe, and for me, it is like a dream," Neil said.
"You are waiting in a room drinking coffee and it feels like a strange thing.
"But Joe was not nervous, he was very calm and collected. He was emotional when he came out."
Talks are now under way as to which terrestrial TV channel will screen the documentary.
The programme, which includes songs and never-before-heard stories, will also be screened in countries such as America, Germany and Australia.
