A SCOTTISH comedian made famous by his role in a hit BBC show is kicking off his first ever tour with a gig in Greenock on Friday.

Darren Connell, best known for playing Bobby Muir in Scot Squad, will be on stage at the Beacon with his show Thank You For Being My Friend.

The stand-up star, who has been on the circuit for around 16 years, says he couldn't think of a better place to start the tour than Inverclyde.

Darren, 34, said: "I'm really looking forward to starting it off in Greenock.

"I did an open spot at the Beacon about 10 years ago, but this will be totally different as it's my own show.

"I was forced to have a two-year break due to Covid and I just thought, you only get one life, so you have to go for it.

"The Beacon is a really comedy-positive venue and Greenock is a lovely place."

The Scots comic says a big part of the show will be devoted to how his life changed dramatically when coronavirus lockdown hit.

Darren added: "I lost everything during lockdown and had to move back in with my family.

"It was hard to deal with, especially as none of it was my fault but it was an eye-opening experience.

"There's a lot about that in the show - the surrealism of living with family when you're on the telly.

"Kids used to come to my parents' door asking for Bobby."

While the show will be full of laughs, Darren admits that there will be some serious elements and dark humour too in his over-18s show.

Darren added: "I'll talk about my health and my sobriety and other things that have happened to me but there's always a punchline at the end.

"There will be things in there that people will be able to relate to.

"It will be pretty dark and serious in place but if I'm slagging myself off, I can get away with it."

Darren's stand-up career began when he started gigging with Kevin Bridges at weekends around 12 years ago.

He says one particular night made him realise that he had found his vocation.

Darren added: "I had to pull a sickie from my work at Asda one night and I was so anxious about it.

"Kevin said 'you're a stand up comic now, you're working these jobs but don't let them ruin your life'.

"That made me feel really calm.

"I wouldn't have Scot Squad without stand-up first."

Darren, who started his podcast Straight White Whale during lockdown, says the pandemic has made him really thankful for his career now.

He added: "I'm kind of glad I had two years with no gigs as I have a real gratitude towards gigging now.

"I just want to entertain people and make them laugh.

"I've earned my stripes so it's time for me to do this."

*To book seats for the show visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk