All disc jockeys are without talent. Noel Edmonds - I can't stand Noel Edmonds.

In fact, I don't watch a lot of contemporary comedy for fear of being influenced by it.

It seems like a contradiction, but the shy person who is a performer actually does make sense, because in a way, when you're young and shy, making people laugh is a good way to make friends. It's an instant connection.

In 1987, I was in Edinburgh doing my first one-man show. I took part in a kickabout with some fellow comedians and tripped over my trousers and heard this cracking sound in my leg. A couple of days later I went into a coma and was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.

When I was nine I spent a lot of my time reading books about the history of comedy, or listening to the Goons or Hancock, humour from previous generations.

Well, sanity, I suppose, is getting people to see the world your way.

I've never been disappointed by politicians. I've never invested that much in them in the first place.