The 5-Minute Interview: Jeremy Hardy, Comedian

Best known for radio work such as 'News Quiz', Hardy, 45, remortgaged his house for Roisin McAliskey's bail when she was wrongly accused of IRA involvement. His stand-up tour continues at The Lights in Andover on 26 April

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

Writing for Jeremy Hardy Speaks to The Nation on Radio 4. We have an aging demographic. If we have a harsh winter I lose most of my fans.

The most surprising thing that happened to me...

Was when I found out Lionel Blair was married.

A common misperception of me is...

That I am very grumpy. I'm only quite grumpy. I am very forgiving in a kind of vengeful way. I harbour resentment but I know it's wrong.

I am not a politician but...

I am quite corruptible. There are some politicians that I like - but very few. Most people that seek after power are not to be trusted.

I'm good at...

Making salad dressing: Apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, mustard and honey.

I'm very bad at...

Exercising. I don't do any.

The ideal night out is...

The pictures with my girlfriend then Thai food.

In moments of weakness I...

Fall down, panic and fall apart, have a cup of tea and get on with it.

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

History teacher. I really wanted to be an actor but I got sidetracked. I went to uni instead of acting school and started writing stand-up. But now I am in a film coming out soon called How To Be directed by Oliver Irving. It's a wry comic-drama.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this...

Don't kill anybody. I've been quite good since I got out but I have to see my probation officer tomorrow.

Sara Newman