One thing that's coming up a lot is: are you as grumpy as you appear from this Black Books thing.

I don't watch a whole lot of stand up. Mainly I prefer to read writers; they make me laugh the most. Something gets you when you're alone and someone's voice is coming through their work. There's a different quality to it that stays with you a bit more.

I also think it helps that Black Books has a fusty and careworn feel - it could be the 1950's, it could be the 1930s.

The one thing that I'm always gonna promote is, 'Don't look at a fellow black man as an enemy.' And it's hard. It's really hard, though, when you're coming up. It's something that you have to teach yourself and learn.

Having two families is just natural to me. I guess when you're growing up, whatever is happening around you is the natural thing.

Some people have told me that I'm grumpy; it's not something that I'm aware of. It's not like I walk around poking children in the eye... not very small ones, anyway.