You may know the name of Juliette Burton from her outspoken comments about Protein World’s Beach Body Ready adverts last year. Burton tweeted an angry response to the London Underground ads and went viral. But she was already well known in comedy circles for being funny and frank about mental health and body image issues, having talked about the subject in her acclaimed show Look At Me. Burton returns to the Edinburgh Fringe this year with an all-new show, Decision Time, in which she asks whether one choice can change a life and whether looking back can help us move forward. Intriguing stuff from an intriguing, honest and very funny comedian,

Juliette Burton is at the Gilded Balloon from Aug 3 - 28. Tickets and info here.

Picture by Steve Ullathorne.

1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth )?

I usually take a sip of sugar free red bull, (other energy drinks are available), remind myself the audience are just a big bunch of brand new friends for me to meet, take a deep breath, and smile. I never normally check for spinach between my teeth – but thanks for the tip! I’ll do that from now on!

2. What irritates you?

Elastoplast. I get a really weird rash from it. And rudeness, sexism, discrimination… the rash I get from them is even worse.

3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?

I have a tendency to be a bit self-destructive so there’s quite a list. Nearly dying in my teenage years (when I was in and out of hospital, sectioned under the mental health act due to anorexia, going from a size 4 to a size 20 in 6 months…you know, the usual…) was cutting it close. I also swam with dolphins earlier this year in Australia in shark infested waters, but don’t tell my dad.

4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?

Some people would say picking this career. It’s not exactly secure with clear promotion opportunities, insurance and overtime bonuses. But to me it would be more stupid to not choose a life I love.

5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?

That I can make a living from it. I’ve been told so many times that it’s a pie in the sky idea, not a “proper job” I wasn’t sure it was a real thing. Turns out it is.

Interview continues here.