The secret of my sucess: Peter Stringfellow

He's the world's best known nightclub owner, and he's also famous for being famous.

I started out as a bread van salesman in Sheffield where I was born, and drove a three- ton truck. The only part of the job that was enjoyable was meeting people, something I've always been comfortable with. I liked getting on with them.

The first club I started in Sheffield was a one-nighter in a church hall which was called the Black Cap. I did the place out myself and the third week I made pounds 65, which was good money in those days, so I packed my job in. After hearing The Beatles' first record I booked them to do a turn which was so oversold I had to find another venue.

Next I opened the Mojo Club and booked acts that are household names today like the Kinks, Rod Stewart and Stevie Wonder.

Eventually I left Sheffield and opened The Millionaire Club in Manchester. I was becoming well-known in the North, but just couldn't get into the newspapers. Owning nightclubs was my only talent, not being able to sing or play the guitar, so moving to London specifically to become famous for that reason was my only option. I opened Stringfellows and the stars I'd met in the early days, like Elton John, turned out for the opening night.

I identify with showbiz types because I'm on a par with them and understand their needs. They need to feel safe, to know that I'm always here to look after them - and living literally above the shop means that I am. My clubs are well known for being drug-free but I can drink anyone under the table, with a couple of exceptions. To me this is not a job, it's a lifestyle. I love it, and who wouldn't?

I want to do a new generation chatshow that's aimed at a late night audience - very glamorous with beautiful, sensuous women lounging around and celebs who are in town dropping by.

Life's a wonderful game - I've played the game, but don't think I haven't worked hard for it. Some people take the piss out of my long hair but I don't care because I don't take myself too seriously.

I know how to treat the British public and I would like them to think that my kind of success is attainable, within anyone's reach. You too can be a Peter Stringfellow.