Jim Bowen is a Lancashire born ex-Deputy Headmaster with a natural flair for comedy in his own unique style.

While teaching, he became involved with a local Dramatic Society which kindled his interest in show business. In the 60s he worked as a stand-up comedian on a part-time basis on the notorious Northern club circuit. The advent of The Comedians gave Jim the opportunity to appear on national television which prompted him to leave teaching & 'have a go' in the precarious world of entertainment.

Television opportunities followed & Jim made appearances on Granada's Wheeltappers & Shunters' Social Club alongside Thames Television's late-night chat show Take Two. Various other TV programmes followed including Up For The Cup & Starburst as well as Summertime Specials & Noels' House Party - he was Gotcha'd by Noel as part of his Saturday night programme. Many other guest appearances followed including Celebrity Squares, Pebble Mill, Family Fortunes, Des O'Connor Tonight & numerous Christmas television specials.

His autobiography From A Bundle of Rags was published in 1992. Ten years later he wrote an updated version of his life entitled Right Place Right Time.

A cabaret artist & entertainer, Jim is also happy playing situation comedy or straight roles including Foxy Lady with Diane Keen, Happy Together with Julie Walters & several cameo roles in Last of the Summer Wine. Jim also played the role of a major character in the prestigious 1980s six-part film drama Muck & Brass starring Mel Smith.

More recently Jim has appeared in Jonathan Creek with Alan Davies, The Grimleys alongside Brian Conley & as Hoss Cartwright in the second hilarious series of Phoenix Nights starring Peter Kay. Sarah Lancashire cast Jim as Norman in The Bingo Hall, one of 6 afternoon dramas for BBC2.

He was very familiar to Northern audiences as Alf, the long-suffering barman in 14 very successful commercials for Tetley Bitter. In 1986 he was the subject of This Is Your Life & in 1988 Sarah Kennedy caught him by surprise as she revealed his schooldays in Classmates.

Since his early years he has been an avid Jazz fan & is probably the most frustrated trumpet player in the world! This has led to almost two decades cruising on the QE2 with The Hot Rhythm Orchestra several times a year. At present, he's appearing on the Fred Olsen cruise ships where he's performing his Evening With Jim Bowen act which contains some of his hilarious re-collections of his life in show business.

Jim's after dinner speeches are regarded by his peers as amongst the funniest on the circuit, where he highlights the frailties & shortcomings of show business & all its trappings, featuring particularly the Bullseye era.

He is of course best known for his Bullseye TV game show, which for 15 years was avidly watched by over 12 million viewers. Instantly recognised throughout the UK, Jim is fantastic on the corporate scene where his varied stage & screen experience is invaluable.

From 1999 to 2003 Jim worked for BBC Radio Lancashire presenting & creating a hugely popular live morning magazine programme.

The last year has seen a resurgence of interest in Bullseye as it's shown four times daily on Challenge TV. This has resulted in numerous guest appearances on all channels from The Weakest Link which he appeared 3 times (twice a winner!) to Des & Mel, Richard & Judy and This Morning.

In 2005,2007 & 2008 Jim appeared at The Edinburgh Festival enjoying success in all three seasons. It was a one-hour long ramble featuring a little bit of stand-up interspersed with riotous tales about his time in the business culminating in Bullseye stories which beggar belief.

Jim now takes this package around smaller theatres where he indulges his audience with two hours of banter & scandal of highly amusing nature. A task he thoroughly enjoys.