Marcus Brigstocke: “I’ve been in recovery for various addictions my entire adult life” | Life and style

Bornate Surrey native Marcus Brigstocke, 51, won the BBC New Comedy Award in 1996. He is a regular on the BBC Radio 4 programs I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue and Just a Minute and hosts a podcast called How was it for you? with his wife Rachel Parris. Next month he begins a UK tour with his new show, Vitruvian Mango. He has three children and lives in London.

When were you happiest?
Every morning when I go into our three-year-old’s room. He’s so happy to see you, it’s a heavenly moment.

What is your biggest fear?
It used to be lonely, and maybe it still is.

Describe yourself in three words
Big. Funny. Man.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
I was overweight and then lost weight many times – my upper thighs suffered.

If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would it be?
Sleep. I bet they’re delicious.

What is your most unpleasant habit?
I fart a lot.

Who is your favorite celebrity?
Robert Smith.

What book are you ashamed of not having read?
Absolutely none. I’ve given Captain Corelli’s Mandolin three tries and concluded that it must be boring because I never finished it.

What is your guilty pleasure?
I sometimes take surprisingly long baths – we’re talking over two hours.

What do you owe your parents?
I have been in recovery for various addictions throughout my adult life. I had an eating disorder starting at age 10 followed by drug and alcohol addiction. My parents didn’t understand much of what was going on, but they always showed up.

Who would you most like to apologize to, and why?
My wife, just in case I did something wrong.

What does love look like?
It’s like being hot after being cold.

Which living person do you despise the most, and why?
Andrew Tate. He seduces many young men and with something that he knows deep down is filthy and odious.

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What did you dream about last night?
That I was sleeping with Jimmy Carr – and Jimmy’s body was a guitar.

What words or expressions do you overuse the most?
Oh, damn.

What was your biggest disappointment?
Morrissey.

How often do you have sex?
I will just say that we have a three year old.

What thing could improve the quality of your life?
Internet down – but not just for me, for everyone.

What was your closest contact with the law?
I lost my driver’s license several times for speeding.

Would you rather have more sex, money or fame?
More sex.

How would you like to be remembered?
As a kind person.

What is the most important lesson that life has taught you?
Being here right now.

What happens when we die?
I don’t know, and I’m totally okay with not knowing.