CONTROVERSIAL comedian Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown is set to return to his hometown to perform after an "unwritten rule" to ban him has been lifted.

The performer had not been booked to gig at Middlesbrough Town Hall since 2015, but his manager has said he is “delighted” to be returning to the venue.

The funnyman has had gigs cancelled in the past by councils who felt his humour was offensive.

Most recently, Swansea Council cancelled his theatre gig because it felt he would no “reflect its values”.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “We are happy to confirm that Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown and our team are getting ready to announce some dates in the new year at Middlesbrough Town Hall, and we look forward to welcoming him alongside a host of other popular acts in 2020.

“We pride ourselves on a comedy programme that’s exciting, wide-ranging and sometimes controversial, and that will deliver first class entertainment for all tastes.”

He further posted on Facebook: “Despite the rumours, comedian Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown was never officially banned from Middlesbrough Town Hall – but I discovered the town hall had an unwritten policy of not allowing him to play here because he was considered “offensive”.

“I’m happy to confirm that the town hall is ready to announce some dates in the new year for Chubby to perform.

He added: “Many big comedy names are controversial – in fact, that’s really part of what comedy is. Many comedians say things that some people may find offensive.

“Personally, Chubby Brown’s act isn’t my cup of tea – but I respect and will defend the right of Chubby to perform his act and for those who do find him funny to spend their hard-earned cash on tickets to see him.

“If you find Chubby Brown’s act offensive, there’s a simple answer – don’t go to see him.

“But I know there are lots of other people who do want to see him and now they’ll be given that opportunity to see him in his hometown.

“At the town hall, we pride ourselves on a comedy programme that’s exciting, wide-ranging and sometimes controversial – that way we can deliver first class entertainment for all tastes.”

Mr Brown’s manager Tony Jo said: “I’d like to thank the mayor for his support in clearing the situation up and Roy is looking forward to his return.

“He’s absolutely delighted. It will be a very emotional night for him and he can’t wait.”

The Middlesbrough Town Hall gig is expected to take place next spring.

His next local gigs are on December 13 and 14 at Northallerton Forum and on January 24 and 25 at the Billingham Forum.