What do your children think of your job?
Tommy: They're deeply suspicious of it. They don't entirely trust me or it. And they're probably right.
What's the worst thing about being a comedian?
Tommy: Loneliness. The more successful you become, the more travelling you do on your own and I think that takes its toll.
I think you are very good at what you do (that's why I'm asking these questions). What do you think of you?
Tommy: The thing that keeps me going is the feeling that I haven't quite nailed it yet.
How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
Tommy: I earn millions and I'd like to earn less.
How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
Tommy: I don't know about luck really. I think things happen that can blow you further down the road. And they're good things. Winning prizes is good. There's also the good fortune, fortune of having a strong show at the right time. I've been unlucky as well when arsehole journalists and failing newspapers have used me to try and bolster sales. But all in all, I would say the good has massively outweighed the annoying.
Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into third category?
Tommy: Alan Davis is not to be trusted on anything. He's far too casual a commentator on my internal stress. I would probably be in the category of underrated poet.
Who is your favourite person ever and why – not including family or friends or other comedians?
Tommy: I would be very drawn to Bob Dylan and his elusiveness, he's not really there. Somebody once told me that at heart, he's an actor who just adopts different personas and I find that idea quite mesmerising.
Do you keep your drawers tidy and if not why not? (please think long and hard about this question, it's to settle an argument with my girlfriend. The future of our relationship could depend on your response).
Tommy: I only own one set of everything so I'm wearing my wardrobe. If not then I'm naked.
Picture by Doreen Kilfeather
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