Popular comic Keith Loads, who was dramatically axed from his spot in this year's famous Thursford Christmas Spectacula, will still be seen in North Norfolk at Christmas after all.

Popular comic Keith Loads, who was dramatically axed from his spot in this year's famous Thursford Christmas Spectacula, will still be seen in North Norfolk at Christmas after all.

Mr Loads, who farms at Hindringham, near Fakenham, has been signed to appear at the Seaside Christmas Special variety show on Cromer pier and he couldn't be happier.

“This is the next best thing to appearing at Thursford and I am absolutely over the moon about it,” said Keith, whose disappointment at not being invited to appear in this year's Thursford show was revealed in the EDP last month .

“The Seaside Special people approached me after they read in the EDP about my slot at Thursford being axed and I couldn't be happier because I love the theatre at the end of the pier. I know it well, so it will be like home from home for me,” said Keith.

He is due to appear twice a day in the Cromer show starting on December 5 and continuing until December 27 and will be seen in 39 shows.

“The number of shows is less than at Thursford because their show starts in mid-November, However, a big plus for me is that the officials at Cromer will allow me to sell my DVDs and these make really affordable and pleasing Christmas gifts. I was never allowed to sell these at Thursford,” he said.

Thursford show officials said that Keith's eight-minute slot, which he has appeared in for six years, was not re-newed this year because it was time for a change.

His non-appearance was not officially announced so that the public bought advance tickets for this year's show believing Keith would be appearing as usual.

“I have been inundated with people asking me about why I am not at Thursford this year since the story appeared in the EDP. I have told them to continue to see the show as planned and make their mind up if they enjoy it as much,” said Mr Loads.

Mr Loads revealed that he had several offers of work over the Christmas period but decided that he wanted to stay as local as possible and that the Cromer Pier offer was just right for him. “I am really looking forward to it and welcoming my loyal followers,” he said.