Lee Mack

I've got quite a few friends in the comedy world as you meet a lot of people.

For me, I wanted to write a book about getting into comedy. That's what I wanted to write.

Since 'The Office,' everyone has this idea that comedy is only good if it reflects the way people really speak. But that's nonsense - and it's a problem unique to comedy.

Loads of blokes think they're funny, but it counts for nothing unless you get up and have a go.

I'd been travelling in Romania. It was 1990, just after the revolution and you couldn't buy anything so we'd been eating basic food. We went to McDonald's and, I'm ashamed to say, it was wonderful. I hate McDonald's normally.

From the age of 14, I remember thinking I wanted to be a comedian. But that was like saying I wanted to be an astronaut. It felt like a million miles away, something I could never do, but would be great to.

I'm terrified of flying and have tried everything from prescription drugs to booze and herbal remedies. The only thing that works is Valium. I don't know why I'm so frightened - I think it's from seeing my mum freak out when I was young.

I have a very clear separation between my life and my work.

My wife and I have always thought it odd that, on social occasions, couples play the ‘hot tub fantasy' game where you're allowed to pick a celebrity you'd like to share a hot tub with."

Yes, if I wasn't a happily married man with three children, Emma Bunton would definitely be my hot-tub fantasy date.

If I was reading a book about a comedian, I wouldn't really care too much about their childhood.

My family were nothing but pleased when I told them I wanted to be a comedian.