Clown 'buzzing' about return after 11-year break

Lloyd Reed has worn the same make-up style since he was 11 years old

A clown who started in the industry when he was seven said he was "buzzing" to be back after an 11-year break.

Lloyd Reed from Northampton, better known as Clumsy, attended his first clown convention in Bognor Regis as a child, which inspired a 30-year career.

He will be performing twice a day, six days a week at Billing Aquadrome holiday park in Great Billing as part of its Circus Fiesta event.

Mr Reed decided to take a break to settle down with his partner and focus on his business but, after putting on his clown make-up once again, he said: "I feel unbelievable. I look in the mirror and it's shocking."

Mr Reed acknowledged a lot of people suffered from coulrophobia, a fear of clowns, which meant he needed to adjust his performance according to the crowd.

"It's all about the way you approach the situation," he said.

"People that are scared end up getting used to me and we have photos together after the show."

His fascination with clowns began at the age of three, when he was taken to his first circus, inspiring him to start dressing up and attending conventions.

He said: "My parents always thought I'd grow out of it."

Clowning has taken a back seat for over a decade but when he got the call to be a part of the Circus Fiesta, he said he was "buzzing like you wouldn't believe".

"It's bonkers how everything's slotted into place. It's like it's meant to be."