Joe Longthorne was born in Hull on the 31st of May 1955 into a show business family: his parents were both travelling show people, so it was only a matter of time before young Joe started entertaining for himself. "When I was six, I came first in a talent show, and my prize was a huge toy motor car. I think I decided then that show business and entertaining was for me. I was hooked, so I entered as many talent contests as I could and I sang to anyone who would listen to me".
At the age of fourteen, he landed a part in Yorkshire Television's popular series, 'Junior Showtime' and remained with the show for over two years, working with many of Britain's leading stars. "I loved that show", he says. "It taught me so much and the experience I gained then has definately held me in good stead ever since. I then turned professional and set about earning a living for myself in the Northern workingmen's clubs. It was a tough training ground, but an essential apprenticeship for any entertainer".
It was through the London Weekend series 'Search For A Star' in 1981 that Joe was first launched onto the British televiewing public as a singer-impressionist, and his success on the show led to appearances at the London Palladium and a month long season at London's Talk Of The Town.
The following year, he received the Variety Club's coveted award for Most Promising Artiste and has been fulfilling that promise ever since.
