THE idea of stabbing yourself with pins for a living would make most people shudder with horror.

But for unemployed van driver Anthony Walls it’s a job he cannot wait to start.

Greater Leys resident Mr Walls has left life behind the wheel to star as a Human Pin Cushion in the over-16s only Circus of Horrors show coming to Oxford’s New Theatre next month.

The 43-year-old, of Deer Walk, will spend the night pushing 10-inch hat pins through his face and neck in a grizzly stunt to wow audiences in the Four Chapters of Hell show.

Mr Walls said: “It takes a lot of practise and research to do it and it’s certainly not advisable to try it at home.

“I will push the pins through my neck, face and arms. There will be about eight holes in total.

Mr Walls is hoping to impress circus organisers with his skills in the hope of being offered a full-time job on the road.

He said: “My family and friends think I am mad, but it is better than being unemployed.

“I thought my performing days were over, most people run away and join the circus, I did the opposite and ran away from the circus to pursue a more conventional life.

“I thought I would contact Dr Haze at The Circus of Horrors to see if they had any jobs while the show was in town. I didn’t think for a minute that they would ask me to perform in the show.”

Mr Walls will perform at The Circus of Horrors at Oxford’s New Theatre on Wednesday, February 9, at 7.30pm.