THE SOUND crew had set up, the show was a sell out, but when Freddie Starr cancelled his comedy gig at the last moment the owner was left with a serious headache.  Fortunately, after Starr had pulled out of his spot at the Ivory Rooms, Billericay, citing a “popped out knee”, comedian and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Jason Wood stepped in.

Paul Hatton, manager of the venue, in Laindon Road, Billericay, said he was told Starr was pulling out at 3.30pm in the afternoon, with the gig due to start at 9pm.

He said: “I got a garbled message from one of Freddie Starr’s roadies saying his agent had told him to turn round and go home.

“That story changed a few times until eventually we were told his knee had popped out at a motorway services.”

Starr later telephoned Mr Hatton to apologise about the debacle. Mr Hatton said: “He sounded genuinely apologetic so I bear him no ill will. I’m just glad we managed to get Jason Wood at such short notice. I’m really grateful to Jason for stepping into Freddie’s shoes and putting on such a fantastic evening when so many people could have been disappointed.”   The Ivory Rooms offered a full refund on the evening along with a £10 voucher to be used in the venue’s restaurant.