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He is rummaging around his dressing-up box in preparation to play 1930s Lancashire comedian George Formby.

Johnny, 50, has become a huge fan of the cheeky seaside entertainer since learning to play the ukulele-banjo – an instrument used by George.

In fact, Johnny’s latest party piece is performing a medley of Formby’s signature hits such as When I’m Cleaning Windows and Leaning On A Lamp-post.

Our source revealed: “Johnny picked up a ukulele-banjo in LA and loves the sound of the instrument.

“He has been aping George Formby after watching his videos on YouTube.

“He’s got the Northern accent down to a tee and sounds just like George when he performs all his classics.”

Johnny’s no stranger to cult British comedy having made guest appearances in The Vicar Of Dibley, The Fast Show and Life’s Too Short over the years.

But it’s Formby’s rags-to-riches story that has got him really buzzing.

Our source explained: “He’s become a bit of a producer in recent times and is in a great position to get Formby’s story turned into a major movie.”

He is after all a big fan of all things British and was rumoured to be house hunting in the New Forest after being spotted in a local pub with his kids recently.

Our man added: “Britain is like a second home to Johnny. He’s always filming here and especially loves the humour and music.”