We were the only black family in an estate with 1,000 white families. Liverpool being quite racist in the Sixties, it was a bit grim growing up.

Prison widens your circle of friends. In my stand-up, I can now talk about things that no one else has the right to touch.

Once journalists have been rifling through your dustbins, you do try and keep them at arms' length.

I've been very lucky, this is my 30th year on TV.

Coming from having absolutely nothing to having a few grand in the bank, it was a big culture leap. I think that's why I went off the rails a bit really, 'cause there was no training for it. They didn't do fame in schools.

There was never any career plan. When 'Red Dwarf' started I thought we were doing a curious little sitcom on BBC2, I didn't think I was becoming an actor. I didn't see that 21 years later I'd still be talking about it, let alone filming a new one. For me everything's always been an accident.

The inventory process and stepping back in your life can sometimes be a very dark process. But it also can be extremely funny and surprising.