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06.11.03 WHEN JOE MET BOB Hull's Joe Longthorne has been playing to packed auditoriums for as long as he has known how to sing. But one night in 1995, even "Our Joe" was humbled as he looked out to the crowd at the London Palladium. Among the screaming fans was a man who has been revered the world over as one of the greatest entertainers of all time - the legendary Bob Hope. It is a moment Joe will cherish forever and one of which he has been thinking since the star died on Sunday. "I have many great memories of the Bob Hope," said the northern hero. "It was an experience and a half." Joe was chosen to perform at one of the comic's Classic Charity Nights, which were always guaranteed to send tremors of excitement through London. As Joe wowed the crowd with his impersonations of Shirley Bassey and Pavarotti, the great comic was sitting in the royal box enjoying every minute. Not only did Joe perform on the same bill, he was even invited to stay at the icon's Los Angeles house. "He was a real gentleman," remembered Joe. "He arrived in a taxi and left in a taxi. He was quite humble and had a really nice way about him." But Joe was still on edge when it came to his performance. "I was nervous performing on the stage," said Joe. "The Palladium is not a place to take lightly and knowing Bob Hope was in the audience was something else." Joe's real test of nerves was backstage when he came face to face with the man who has won 2,000 awards. "He told me he had enjoyed my show and that I should go on to do well," said Joe. "Then he invited me to his house - but, unfortunately, I never went." The pair were photographed together and the picture now takes pride of place at the home of Joe's mother, Teresa Longthorne. "I treasure the picture," said Joe. "I was so proud to be there. It was such a surprise to be invited." When Bob Hope died of pneumonia aged 100, Joe joined millions of mourners all over the world. The Hull star himself is ill and having chemotherapy treatment after he revealed to the Mail earlier this year his leukaemia had returned. "Bob was once told a joke where he was asked whether he wanted to be buried or cremated," said Joe. "I remember his answer so clearly. He said, 'surprise me'. "I thought that was good." Joe has just started a season in Blackpool and has been catching up with old pal Roy "Chubby" Brown. But this week, he will have just one person in mind. "I'll be thinking of Bob," he said. Jessica Boulton |
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