The 5-minute Interview: Michael McIntyre, Comedian

'Being at Prime Minister's Questions would be a hoot'

At the 2003 Edinburgh Festival, McIntyre, 31, was nominated for the Perrier Best Newcomer Award, going on to host his own radio show on LBC. Next week he will be headlining the 15th annual Leicester Comedy Festival, appearing at the Little Theatre from February 10.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Trying to pay my taxes. I'm a day late because the system failed. I don't know why I waited till the last minute. We men do it for everything though, from Christmas presents to football transfers.

A phrase I use far too often...

I call people "captain" a lot and it makes them feel special. Until they hear me using it for everyone, that is.

I wish people would take more notice of...

How difficult it is to raise children. I get looks like I can't raise my child, but I can.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

Joining the gym. I have absolutely no intention of going so my major concern is how to get out of the contract. I joined in February though – joining in January is such a cliché.

A common misperception of me is....

That I'm posh. I do speak well as I went to a posh school. But I come from no real breeding.

I am not a politician but...

I would enjoy Prime Minister's Questions. It sounds like you could have a hoot in that room.

I'm good at...

Sleeping.

I'm very bad at...

Looking after myself. I blame my mum.

The ideal night out is ...

Sharing my thoughts and getting laughs.

In moments of weakness I...

Order too much Chinese. Lemon chicken or sweet and sour prawns. I go from being hungry to vomiting in about eight minutes.

You know me as a comedian but in truer life I'd have been ...

A dog-walker.

The best age to be is ...

Anything at the beginning of a decade is good.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is ...

Don't eat a Mars bar every day.

Michael Haddon