Jim Davidson has spoken out for the first time since being embroiled in the heart of a censorship row between Evesham councillors. 

The controversial comic is set to appear for two shows at the town hall on March 12 as part of his 'Unlocked' tour, with hundreds of tickets already sold. 

However, Francesca Pridding, the town clerk, sparked huge debate after she called for discussion on the 'suitability' of the star's appearance at the council-owned venue after saying she received verbal complaints about his 'perceived racist and sexist material'.

Despite concerns, councillors unanimously agreed to hold no opinion on the 2014 Celebrity Big Brother winner's pending performances at a council meeting on Monday. 

In a video statement released today on the funny man's social media, he praised the council for not giving in to 'woke-ness'.

He said: "I'm pleased to announce it's Jim Davidson one, woke nil.

"There was huge uproar, people said well 'why are we debating this?' People started fighting, killing one another, burning each other - not quite that.

"So, let me just say not thank you but well done Evesham council for having the grown-up-ness to let people decide whether they want to come and see an artist or not - so well done you."

Before the meeting in question, a statement from the town council said: "As the provider of a venue for entertainment, the council has a duty to ensure those hiring the hall are not going to use it for any illegal purpose.

"Having received some verbal concerns regarding the material contained in Jim Davidson’s routine it is important the council considers the risk not only to its reputation but also the legal risk of providing the venue having received notice of the potential for a breach of the law."

The council had said it feared some of the former Big Break and The Generation Game star's jokes may breach laws on inciting racial hatred, extinguishing the comedian's right to freedom of expression.

"The Public Order Act 1986 makes it a criminal offence to ‘use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause another person harassment, alarm or distress’," the statement continued.

"This law now includes language likely to incite ‘racial and religious hatred’ in this definition.

"The concerns raised around the appearance of Jim Davidson have been related to his perceived racist and sexist material.

"It is important the council conducts the exercise of considering the risk of allowing divisive material to be performed on its premises and the rights under Article ten of the Human Rights Act."

Multiple councillors quickly hit back at the statement after its release last week, including Emma Haynes, who subsequently resigned over the drama.

At the meeting on Monday, Julie Haines called the discussions a "nonsense subject", and insisted the council should send an apology to organisers Evesham Live, who it was revealed would stand to lose a total of £10,000 if the shows were cancelled.

Jim Davidson OBE rose to fame after winning TV talent show New Faces in 1975.

He quickly established himself as one of the top stand-up comedians in the country and was remembered for entertaining the troops in the Falkland Islands.

The funny man was due to perform in Evesham in 2015, but left punters disappointed after cancelling the show just hours before he was set to perform as he was unhappy with the height of the stage.

However, he did return just a month later for the re-arranged show at Evesham Arts Centre.

Throughout his career, Davidson has made jokes about women, ethnic minorities, homosexuals and disabled people in his stand-up act, which has made him a subject of frequent criticism.