Paul O’Grady thinks Britain has lost its sense of humour.
The 62-year-old comedian has hit out at the country’s culture of political correctness, saying people have become too easily offended over recent years.
Paul – whose most famous comedy creation was drag queen character Lily Savage – explained: "It’s all too PC now and I hate it. People ask me if I’d do Lily again and I say no way – I’d be lynched!"
Paul believes that young Britons now struggle to distinguish between irony and the truth, which he claims has caused the country’s collective sense of humour to suffer.
Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, the veteran TV star shared: "People don’t understand irony. You can’t say anything any more. They don’t get the jokes. It’s a worry. Anything you say is taken as gospel and it’s just a gag.
"I could make a quip on stage that I don’t like cheese and suddenly I am condemning the cheese trade … leave off!"
Paul also accused the public of obsessing about trivial issues.
Instead, he urged Brits to pay closer attention to more serious matters.
He said: "People love to be offended and outraged in this country. I think: ‘Oh get over yourself’ if someone’s skirt on breakfast TV is too short.
"For god’s sake. I don’t know if I want to live on this planet any more. People are too touchy now, everyone is a social media critic – it’s bizarre. Worry about your own life! It doesn’t concern you! There’s more important things to worry about. Like Donald Trump.
"But do I worry what I say? No, do I hell. I can’t be bothered. I am too old for any self-censorship. I let rip during the ad breaks instead and you can hear the audience gasp. It’s hilarious."
Paul O’Grady: Britain has lost its sense of humour
