FOR most stand-up comedians, telling jokes is an important part of their act – but not for one.

Comedian Sam Wills, who lives in Westcliff, decided to tape his mouth shut which has proved to be the most pivotal part of his eccentric performance – and a complete hit with his audiences.

With the stage name the Boy With Tape On His Face, and more recently, Tape Face, he proved a knock-out when he won the hearts of judges on America’s Got Talent last year.

The 38-year-old has had 46 million hits on YouTube for the audition video, with more checking it out each day.

His act consists of his mouth being taped so he can’t talk and performing different sketches, including using oven gloves as puppets and dressing up half his body as a woman.

Gary Jackets, who books comedians for comedy nights, said he wasn’t convinced when he first heard about the act.

He said: “I first heard about Tape Face from a friend who told me I needed to check this comedian out – he had won loads of awards in Australia and New Zealand, but didn’t speak in his act.

“I just laughed – he wanted me to book a comedian who didn’t speak!

“But I checked him out and booked him for the Joker Comedy Club in Westcliff.

“He performed in Westcliff and he blew the roof off, he got a standing ovation.

“He has performed there six or seven times since.

“Because he doesn’t speak, he appeals to a worldwide audience because he can relate to everyone.

“He used to be a street performer and a mime artist which is where his act comes from.

“Sam is originally from New Zealand so was already quite big out there.

“He is in demand all over the world now and has secured a two-month running stint in Las Vegas on the back of America’s Got Talent and will be in the West End.”

Sam said: “It was never meant to be something serious.

“I was just playing with ideas.

“I thought I’d maybe do a gig a month in this character – in amongst the five shows a week I was doing normally, but it slowly started shifting until it took over.”

He also had a successful Australian tour and had two hit stints at the Edinburgh Festival, where he went down a storm with audiences.

He has gained a huge following worldwide, not to mention a host of awards, and has even performed at the Royal Variety Show and Royal Albert Hall for the Comedy Proms.

As well as performing in Las Vegas, Tape Face will be performing at the prestigious Garrick Theatre, in London, for six weeks this summer.

To view the clip on YouTube click HERE.