Joined a seminary (training school for priests) at the age of eleven, but left after eighteen months
Studied ceramics at Middlesex University
Began his career as a stand-up comedian
In an interview he stated his five favourite places as being San Fransisco, Robin Hood's Bay, St Helens, The Brown Edge public house and his parents' refrigerator
Quote on being recognised: "This is a good job that gives us a good life, you can't expect to turn that off when it suits you