6. What do your parents think of your job?

I think they were concerned at first that I might be throwing away other opportunities but they're relaxed about it now. I think they enjoy fielding questions about it from other baffled or horrified parents.

7. What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?

You lose touch with normal friends, because you work when they are free and vice versa. You have to guard against the alienation.

8. I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?

I think I'm alright but I'll be better in a few years. I'd better be.

9. How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?

My wages vary enormously, but it's probably fair to say that over the last 12 months I've been earning minimum wage - thanks to writing, TV or radio work. I'd like to earn enough to have a degree of creative freedom.

10. How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?

It's enormously important but you have buy a ticket to win the lottery. If I happen to get a big break by being seen at a gig, I've worked to get that gig and I've worked to do well on the night and I've worked to get a good set. So, to an extent, you make your own luck.

11. Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into a third category?

I am hard on myself, so I rarely allow myself to enjoy any sort of achievement for very long. I'm working on that but I'm also very pragmatic. Could I just be a hugely self-critical golfer? Emo Ernie Els?

12. Who is your favourite person ever and why - not including family or friends or other comedians?

Probably Desmond Tutu - he's the most morally consistent human being I've ever heard of, even to the point of causing himself enormous difficulty. Plus, it's much harder to be morally consistent when you are internationally renowned and famous, constantly under scrutiny.

13. Do you keep your drawers tidy?

My drawers are a disaster.