I had a massive amount of self-belief when I did stand-up.

When I wasn't as attractive as I am now, I suffered at the hands of cruel children and their taunts until I realised that confidence and a bit of aesthetic care can overcome that.

I sang 'American Pie' a lot in my stage set. It had a knack of uniting an audience in a sing-along. It's a clever song about American history but wrapped in a fantastic tune.

It can be tough as a jobbing actor.

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

I think it sort of dawns on you that if you're not gigging constantly you're not actually relevant. You may be relevant to a different part of the media now, to television commissioners and editors, but to a young live-comedy audience you're not, really.

I actually enjoy being heckled; it keeps it interesting, and I think it is a nice feeling for people once they have left the show.