Some comics are in it for what they can get out of it. Others are in it for a love of comedy. I think those that are in it for a genuine love of comedy find each other within the circuit and become friends.

I've got little ankles and a bit of a belly, so it makes me look rather an egg on legs.

I came back from university thinking I knew all about politics and racism, not knowing my dad had been one of the youngest-serving Labour councillors in the town and had refused to work in South Africa years ago because of the situation there. And he's never mentioned it - you just find out. That's a real man to me. A sleeping lion.

My forte is playing drunks down the ages. When my agent rings me about a role, I don't ask what the part is, but what century it's in.

You know, there's that temptation in interviews to make yourself sound - well, to give yourself a bit of mystery.

For the greater good, I thought I should be a spiritual leader for people for some reason.

With stand-up you've just got that one chance. Audiences can be quite fickle.