A theatre has defended itself after a controversial comedian said the venue had “cancelled” him following a row over bookings.

Lee Hurst claims The Alexander Centre in Faversham refused to host him, but bosses at the venue say they simply have no availability this year or next.

Writing on X, the 61-year-old, best known for his role in the nineties comedy quiz show They Think It’s All Over, said: “Just found out I’ve been cancelled from the venue in my nearest town, Faversham.

“Before lockdown, I used to put on sold-out shows for my local comedy club nights.

“I contacted them to see if I could put my stand-up tour show on there. I was told that there was no availability until next year. I replied that would be fine.

“Then, radio silence. I eventually chased them up to be told that they now ‘outsource’ their comedy bookings and there was nothing available for the whole of next year.

“Not even offered the year afterwards. Nice.

“Obviously, I won’t be even setting foot in the venue as a punter any longer as that would make me a bit of a muppet spending money in a venue where I‘m not welcome.”

Responding to a supporter on X, he added: “They never have the courage to tell you you’re cancelled, mainly because then they can carry on with the myth put about by the left that cancelling doesn’t exist.”

In response to the comments, bosses at the Alexander Centre told KentOnline: “He was looking for a date. We don't have any dates. That's the story.

“He was after some dates. We were already fully booked with all our comedians this year and next year. Obviously, it just depends on what we've got available.”

They also confirmed the booking row was not related to any opinions or views Mr Hurst projects and in theory, he would be able to book should dates become free.

The comedian has found himself in the limelight at times for the wrong reasons in recent year.

During the pandemic, he was the subject of criticism on X (known as Twitter at the time) from Piers Morgan after refusing to wear a face mask in Morrisons.

Within months, he had his account on the website suspended twice after making remarks about environmental activist Greta Thunberg and Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Advisor to the UK.

Despite causing trouble online, Mr Hurst has previously claimed he doesn’t “follow any ideology” and is not “left-wing or right-wing” but simply floats between the two.

The London-born comedian moved to Swale in 2015 after enjoying childhood holidays in the county.