But he is now, as National Portrait Gallery unveils new work.

This is Ken Dodd as captured in a new picture at the National Portrait Gallery.

The painting, by English artist David Cobley, portrays the 74-year-old comic as shattered and melancholy after a tough gig.

Dodd famously performs for up to four hours a night, and still maintains a gruelling touring schedule that would daunt comics half his age. Cobley visited him after several gigs before capturing his likeness.

Unveiling the work at the London gallery, Dodd said: "The finished image is just how I want to be remembered. I want people to remember me as a working comedian."

Cobley described his painting as "an affectionate tribute".

A spokesman for the gallery said: "The complex relationship between on and off stage persona is also suggested by the pink tickling stick at the bottom right corner of the painting." Or it could just be his silly prop.