One of the true legends of showbusiness revealed his excitement as he prepares to perform in Blackpool for the first time in 85 years of entertaining.

Hollywood icon Mickey Rooney, will make his Blackpool debut in September, when he takes to the stage at the Opera House alongside his wife of 35 years, Jan Rooney.

Mickey, 87, whose credits include around 350 films, has worked alongside some of the greats of film and stage, including, Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Spencer Tracy.

The couple have been touring periodically for 10 years and the latest shows mark 85 years since his first appearance, when he crawled out on stage during his parent's vaudeville act in New York.

Speaking exclusively to the Citizen, from his home in Ventura County, California, he said: "I'm very excited about visiting Blackpool with its proud history of theatre.

"I just wish to entertain and to sing the songs and talk to the audience about some of the interesting times in my career.

"It's being out on stage doing the things I love that keeps me going and I can't imagine a time when I can't perform."

Mickey also revealed that he continues to do film roles, with today's A-list actors who are keen to work with him.

"We've just finished doing a cameo in a Ben Stiller movie," he said. "Jan and I play sheep farmers in a comedy that's out next year."

In 1983 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented Mickey with their Academy Honorary Award for his lifetime of achievement.

However, when asked to pick out highpoints of his film roles he finds it difficult.

"The awards and acknowledgment are very nice but every day is a career highlight for me. I'm just happy to carry on."

Jan Rooney is a stage star in her own right as a singer, actress and songwriter. In a section of the show she performs a medley of Patsy Cline numbers She said: "I'm always amazed at the warmth shown to us when we visit the UK and I'm sure it will be a delight to perform in Blackpool."

Mickey also takes an interest in the history of the places he visits and revealed a weakness for a particular Lancashire delicacy.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the Tower for the first time and when I'm in the north of England I enjoy eating fish and chips and I believe you guys do some of the best," he said.

An Audience with Mickey Rooney and Very Special Guest Jan Rooney is on at Blackpool Opera House on Monday, September 10.

For ticket details call 0870 3801111.