Biography of the Comedian
Recently featured in 'The Stage and Television Today', as one of the top ten comedians in Britain, unique comic Andy Ford, began his professional career at the age of 12; Andy started to learn his stagecraft in those early days, particularly the skill of communicating with audiences. After winning many talent contests Andy joined his first Band at the age of 14, and was the front man for many years until the time he decided to go solo. After a couple of single releases and airplay on BBC Radio 1, he moved to the Cabaret scene. Andy started to introduce more and more humour into the shows and it was the comedy side of his performances that really brought excited interest from various showbiz agents, this culminated in many tours and cruises either as a solo act or part of production shows. In 1997 his unique style started to catch the eye of TV producers and he was chosen to appear on ITV's Big Big Talent Show hosted by Jonathan Ross. His spectacular and original performance was so successful that the Executive Producer Nigel Lithgoe invited Andy to appear on the Royal Variety Show that year in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary.
More TV appearances followed including Talking Telephone Numbers. Andy became much loved by Britain's younger viewers (and their Parents) when he starred for 4 years as Patrick the Baker in Channel 5's award winning show 'Havakazoo'. In 1998 Des O'Connor invited Andy onto his famous couch and the merriment that ensued saw a return spot immediately booked for Des's next series. Andy has also appeared on TV alongside such performers as Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, West Life, Shania Twain, Michael Bolton, Sir Cliff Richard, The Two Ronnies, Jim Davidson, Joe Pasquale, Ben Elton, The Spice Girls, Enrique Inglesias etc…
Whilst all these Television spots were happening Andy kept up the live performances, moving into Pantomime where he always plays the 'Simple Simon' type part………….. Comedy and Sympathy a lethal combination! Andy now has the reputation of being one of the best Panto lead comics in Britain and has appeared alongside many stars including: Leticia Dean, Berni Nolan, Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky), Michaela Strachan, Sarah Jane Buckley, Dean Gaffney, Claire Sweeney, John Altman, Maureen Nolan etc etc. In 1999 Andy married Designer, Artist and TV Scrapbook demonstrator Michelle Jackson-Mogford and you can view her website by clicking here. He was one of the most popular guests on ITV's Des and Mel Show having appeared on it several times. 2006 saw the filming of his Television pilot show, 'Peddlin' Poetry' and more are planned in 2009, also his one man play, 'Funny Ha ha' the story of an up and coming comedian made it's World debut this year. Andy is always in demand for live performances and his clients include; The Ambassador Theatre Group, P&O Cruise Lines, Norwegian cruise Lines, Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Thomson Gold, Warners, and Theatres throughout the UK. Christmas 2008 saw Andy appear to great acclaim in the role of Smee the Pirate in the First Family Pantomime 'Peter Pan' at the Milton Keynes Theatre alongside TV Legend Henry Winkler and Louisa Lytton.
2009 and 2010 were record breaking years workwise for Andy and he was the undesputed star of the Bristol Panto alongside Joe Swash and the lovely Kara Tointon (Strictly Come Dancing) so much so that he returned in 2010 to perform with Britain's favourite landlady Barbara Windsor and Corrie Star Eric Potts in Dick Whittington at the Bristol Hippodrome followed by a live solo show at the same venue in Feb 2011. This year has been exceptional for Andy seeing him branch into presenting his Comedy Seminars as well as a very busy stand up itinery.