He was born in Rotherham, his real name being George Frederick Speight. He worked as a miner, but had an accident at Silverwood Colliery in 1967 by slipping in the pit-head baths on some soap, resulting in a double slipped disc. Paul was pensioned off from the pit at the age of 27, but he knew exactly what he wanted to do - make people laugh. Two years later, he made the decision to turn professional. He had already had 10 years experience as a part-time entertainer around the pubs and clubs in South Yorkshire. His first appearance, as a straight singer, was at the Grafton Pub on St Ann's Road, Rotherham, now demolished. "Two pints of ale and 20 Park Drive a night". Paul's first club booking was at St Ann's Club in Rotherham, for thirty shillings (£1.50).
Paul's transformation from singer to comedian was a gradual one, starting with his rendition of Green Green Grass of Home, straight at first, but ultimately a hilarious send up of Tom Jones which marks the start of the Paul Shane act.