Anecdotes

He married Lisa Matthews, his partner of 22 years, in October 2015, half an hour before having a triple heart bypass operation, having learned only five days earlier that the operation was necessary. He needed special permission from the registrar, backed by a report from his consultant that he was "incredibly ill", to avoid the normal requirement to give 21 days' notice of marriage.

Worked as a solicitor before taking up comedy.

Can tear open an apple in half with his bare hands.

Often uses a hand double for close-ups because he bites his finger nails.

Is an avid Middlesbrough F.C. supporter. Once trialed for their youth team and, more recently, released a version of Chris Rea's "Let's Dance" accompanied by the team.

Suffers from rheumatoid arthritis which he controls using steroids.

Was involved in the production of several regional award winning beers, after a chance meeting with a local brewer in the mid 2010s. The award winning beers were named Kiss the Alderman (India Pale Ale aka IPA), Retail Park (stout), and Not Now Madam! (lager).

Accidentally set his home on fire when he was seven years old, living in Middlesbrough. No one was harmed, but due to the water damage caused in order for the stop the fire, the house was not able to be saved without being completely rebuilt.

In the interests of frugality, has performed some of his own dentistry since the early 2000s. Procedures stated include fillings, crown replacement and bridge repair, but exclude implants or root canals, and he is yet to be presented with a situation whether he should perform an extraction.

Children: Harry and Thomas

His best-selling debut novel 'The Satsuma Complex' has been retitled for American audiences as 'The Clementine Complex.'.

Is an avid fan of the band 'Free.'.

Teamed up with Jm Reeves in 1986 after joining him on stage for a laugh at Goldsmths Tavern in New Cross, London.

Worked as a dustbin man before getting a law degree becoming a solicitor.

Lives in Kent with his partner Lisa and their children.

He had hoped to become a footballer and had a trial for Middlelesborough FC.

Became a fan of Vic Reeves act after seeing it in a London pub and they soon formed a partnership.