A Leigh stroke survivor who reached this year's Britain's Got Talent semi-finals with his comedy performances has announced a tour of UK.

Markus Birdman, 52, left many viewers and audience memebrs howling during Wednesday's semi-final as he imitated his daughter's Southend accent among other edgier jokes.

Not all viewers were impressed, and Simon Cowell was quick to press his red buzzer. However, the judge was jeered as he claimed his decision was due to the audience "not laughing".

Markus failed to secure enough public votes to get through to the final, but has today announced his UK tour Platinum, named after his platinum heart.

The tour will kick off in his home city of Southend, at Dixon Studio, on September 1, before stopping at 26  across the UK including fellow Essex cities Chelmsford and Colchester.

He will close the tour in Northallerton on November 11.

Markus said today: “Britain’s Got Talent was a great experience - thanks to all for their support - I’m excited to get out on the road on tour to bring joy to the masses and also to raise a little stroke awareness. Not for your pity, more for your awe and admiration (and cash!)”

In 2011 Markus had his first stroke, and then a second in June 2021, when he lost half his eyesight permanently, and it has become a regular topic in his stand-up return.

His dark humour has delighted audiences for the past 20 years, as he has written and performed twelve Edinburgh Festival Solo shows, and toured Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Scandinavia and throughout Europe, The Middle East and Far East.

He appeared on Britain's Got Talent this year fresh from supporting Jason Manford on tour in 2022.

The funny man has also appeared on a number of TV and radio shows both in the UK and abroad.

Tickets for the Markus Birdman's tour are on sale now and available from markusbirdmantour.com.