Raised and educated in or around Ludlow in Shropshire. Is also a stand-up comedian, and the regular compere at his own award winning XS Malarkey Comedy Club in Manchester. Also plays at The Comedy Store, The Frog and Bucket and many others. He won the very first Les Dawson Award in 2003. Contarary to some opinions, he does NOT play himself in _"Phoenix Nights" .
He was the winner of the Les Dawson Award at The Manchester Comedy festival 2003, beating other contenders Peter Kay , Johnny Vegas , Steve Coogan , Ken Dodd and Caroline Aherne.
He is an expert on "Doctor Who" and has moderated many of the DVD commentaries for the series.
