A popular entertainment hub has said it will host one of the UK’s most controversial people - despite other venues cancelling her shows.

The Appleyard in Sittingbourne is to welcome former star of The Apprentice Katie Hopkins on June 3.

The 48-year-old, who in 2020 was permanently banned from using social media platform Twitter for breaking its rules on hateful conduct, is to visit the venue as part of her ‘Live Love Laugh’ national tour when she performs at the Avenue of Remembrance site.

However, Hopkins, who also joined UKIP in 2021, has seen places in Weymouth, Southampton, Bournemouth and Dundee cancel her show in recent weeks.

Yet managing director of The Appleyard, Mike Farrow, insists the show will not be politically-themed, with Hopkins one of a number of high-profile guests the venue will showcase.

“We were approached by Katie Hopkins asking if she could use our venue for her Live, Laugh, Love show,” he said.

“It is described as a funny comedy show – not a heavy political thing and instead one in which Katie pokes more fun at herself than anyone else.

“I contacted Katie Hopkins who advised me that she has never cancelled or pulled out of any event, with the tickets for our show sold out within two weeks.

“So it's always good to have acts that are well-known, especially at present when hospitality and live entertainment venues are under pressure with increasing costs.

“We try to put on a variety of events at The Appleyard and have had the likes of Geoff Hurst, Frank Bruno and Ray Parlour.

“For our Festival we have had East 17, and during Covid we'd had booked The Christians and Top Loader, plus this year we have Toyah and a fairly regular comedy night with Lee Hurst.”

Hopkins’ outspoken views have attracted controversy and legal issues in the past.

Bosses at Whitehall Theatre in Dundee said they cancelled her show after people “expressed concern dismay and outrage” about the booking.

While The Attic in Southampton said: "Having looked into this further we completely understand why people have been affected by the booking."

The Appleyard event will take place on June 3, with doors opening at 6.30pm.