HE is one of the country’s best loved controversial comics — but the last 12 months have certainly been no joke for Jim Davidson.

The 60-year-old was arrested in January 2013 and then again in March by the same detectives who were investigating the Operation Yewtree scandal, for allegations of a historical sexual nature.

At his darkest hour, the comic vigorously denied the charges and was said to be “pleased” in August when no further action was taken.

But he certainly does not see that as a victory.

Despite winning back the nation’s hearts by taking the Celebrity Big Brother crown this year, Jim is still haunted by the allegations that nearly destroyed his career and reputation.

He said: “I had to cancel my tour last year after all the allegations but thankfully I have been able to reschedule for this year. But what about the poor victims and what they are going through?

“I don’t see it as a victory that they let me go, and I don’t think I will ever get over it really. But it is behind me now thankfully.”

Jim his more recently been in the public eye for much more positive reasons, including a Celebrity Big Brother win — but the top spot was well earned after enduring weeks of reported bullying from housemate Linda Nolan.

He said: “Linda Nolan is a very angry woman. I don’t know what else to say about her to be honest. Big Brother was really hard to do because it was hard to be myself in there. I wanted to run away — run away and slob about. But what was amazing was that so many people took the time to vote for me — and I won. I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t.”

As well as his stand up, Jim is best known for hosting a number of high profile TV game shows such as Big Break and the Generation Game, in a career which spans more than 35 years.

He said: “I loved doing the Generation Game. We won’t see TV shows like that anymore — they were too expensive and took days to record so it just couldn’t be done now.

“I love shows like Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway — they’re hilarious. I would love to do it again. It was good Saturday night entertainment where I could just clown about.

“I loved Mr Blobby too — he was so hapless and hilarious. His heart wanted to do something good but he always ended up messing it up.”

Football fan Jim says he is a regular visitor to Bolton when he watches his beloved Carlton Athletic, and is looking forward to coming back with Richard Digance for his Together Again tour in May.

He said: “I come up to Bolton quite often to watch the football. I follow Carlton and you always beat us. It’s a great place with really nice people, and you can always get a good curry from there, so I am looking forward to be playing at the Albert Halls.

“I remember at one game I met the new Bishop of Bolton and for once we beat you.

“I’d said to him earlier that he may need divine intervention for the game, and then we go and win one nil. What was even funnier was that the bloke who scored for us was called Church.”

Jim Davidson and Richard Digance perform Together Again at the Albert Halls on May 8. For tickets, call the box office on 01204 334 400.