My life has been, I suppose, the most incredible series of highs and lows.

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.

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.

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.

I'm busy and that's the way I like it - when I have too much downtime I get into trouble.

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

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