My favourite holiday: Coatbridge comedian Edward Reid on why he'll be returning to Sorrento

SINCE first bursting on to the scene in Britain’s Got Talent in 2011 with his unique brand of comedy songs, Edward Reid has gone from strength to strength.

The Coatbridge personality is part of the line-up for the annual Allan Stewart’s Big, Big Variety Show at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh from February 28 to March 4, which also features Elaine C. Smith, Grant Stott and ’70s band, Pilot.

I USED to be obsessed with America and I finally went there in 2009 on a package tour that went to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and a cruise to Mexico.

Everyone said I’d love Vegas and they were right. I adored the over-the-top feeling of the place.

I’ve been back since. I went to see Celine Dion there last year and her voice was just incredible, and I also visited Florida and did the Universal Studios tour.

But none of that compares to my vacation to Sorrento in Italy last April.

A view from the hill at colorful Positano town with the church and sea (iStock)

I’d seen Eat, Pray, Love, the Julia Roberts film and rather than just go to Asda and buy a packet of pasta, I decided to go the full hog and book a trip to Sorrento, hoping to experience what Julia’s character did.

I was blown away by the place.

The hotel was beautiful and the views were amazing. From the room window I could see Capri, which I visited, and Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius are also nearby.

It was lovely weather and I would relax at a cafe or restaurant in the square and people watch.

I loved seeing the Italians walking by. They were so flamboyant but cool with it, wearing something you would expect to see on a runway when they were only going to work!

The entire holiday was a sensory experience, from the sights to the great food to the spectacular smells.

Every night the aroma of orange blossoms was so strong.

I loved the entire experience and I’ll definitely be back.

I’ve been on lots of trips in the past year, which is really unusual for me, even more so when you compare it to my childhood.

We were poor, country and western song poor, so the only trip I got to look forward to was a day in Ayr through the community centre next to my aunt’s house.

It would be sunburn, sand in the sandwiches on the beach and a fish supper to end the day. I also went to Scarborough once and can remember there being a funfair and shows – but no Celine Dion.