Six years ago Sir Norman Wisdom described himself as a “lucky little devil” as he prepared to say farewell to a career spanning more than half a century.

The comic actor said he thought it was “time to slow down” as he got ready to make what was billed as his final appearance on a British stage.

“I’ve been a lucky little devil and I’m nearly 90 so I think it’s time to slow down,” he said before starring in a variety show at the Theatre Royal in Norwich in October 2004.

“I have been going for a long time and it seems like a long time now...

“I think I probably have been successful because what I do is fairly timeless.” He added: “I think there’s still room for my kind of comedy. It still works. I’ve loved every minute of my career and I can’t say whether I prefer working on stage or in film.

“Working at the London Palladium was special because it makes you feel so special. But I have enjoyed it all immensely.

“As for films, it was lovely working on Trouble In Store, and Margaret Rutherford stands out as someone I have worked with.

“I suppose I must have a bit of talent but I’ve been very lucky. It doesn’t matter how much talent you have, you still have to have a bit of luck and I’ve had a lot of it.

“I had a pretty tough childhood and if someone had said to me when I was starting out that I would still be around now and be popular I wouldn’t have believed them.

“The career I’ve had doesn’t surprise me – it amazes me. I never forget how lucky I have been. And you won’t catch me complaining about my life because it’s been tremendous. To be starting again and to have it all to look forward to, that would be smashing.”