HE is the star of Radio 1's The Milk Run, Radio 4's Banter and is now a TV panel show regular on BBC Two's Mock The Week, which is just about to start a new series.

Russell Howard is an award-winning comedian who literally lives for comedy - and actually lived with some of his fellow comedians for a year.

He once had to cancel a gig once after injuring himself falling off a chair while laughing at a joke.

He spoke to us ahead of his appearance in Blackburn's Comedy Festival.

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?

People make me laugh when they forget themselves and just go with a moment. For example, at gigs people are always asking me really strange questions out of the blue. That kind of thing really makes me laugh more than any joke. It's people who are funny but don't even mean to be that get me.

WHO MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?

Fat people on You've Been Framed. It's just funnier when a fat man topples.

WHAT'S IT LIKE LIVING WITH OTHER COMEDIANS - DO YOU LAUGH PERMANENTLY AND TRY AND OUT-JOKE EACH OTHER?

I don't live with them anymore. I moved out recently. It was a delight though. My friend Jon Richardson is hilarious. We do a show together on BBC6 Music. We had lots of good times. It was a lovely year of giggly madness.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR MATERIAL FOR YOUR STAND-UP FROM AND HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT WILL WORK?

I just think of stuff and try it. Sometimes people laugh, sometimes they don't. There is no secret formula, it's all trial and error.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR WORST AND BEST STAND-UP CROWD REACTION?

The Leeds City Varieties was incredible this year. A lovely gig. To storm the same stage that Charlie Chaplin has played was a pretty special feeling. The worst gig ever? Hmm, Torquay when I was 21 after an England game. Tricky.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS

Jammy, dreamer, inquisitive.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?

A stand-up. I decided when I was 15 that I would love to do it so I quietly set about my ambition. I never told any of my friends or family. I just used to go to gigs and figure it out and then when I was 19 I snuck out one night and began my adventure with stand-up.

IF YOU WEREN'T A COMEDIAN NOW WHAT WOULD YOU BE?

I dunno. Perhaps a charity worker or a teacher, trying to do good in a corny little way, I guess. I'd love to be a singer, someone like Rufus Wainwright. He is the most perfect live performer . . . funny, articulate and with songs that melt your soul.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND HOW DO YOU RELAX?

Football and watching telly, same as anyone else - hanging out with my mates, watching films while it's raining outside. Is there a better way to enjoy them? Reading and hanging out with my girlfriend. That's my favourite way to relax.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DREAM/GOAL?

Just to get better at stand-up. Or learn the guitar and become the new Bob Dylan. I suspect the first would be easier.

  • Russell Howard appears at the Windsor Suite, King George's Hall, Blackburn, on Thursday. For tickets call 01254 582582.