Sarah Millican is one of the most successful female stand-up acts of all time, and has now released her third DVD just in time for the festive period.
In a new and exclusive interview we chat to Sarah about her illustrious career so far, that BAFTAs incident and much more.
Does it ever sink in how accomplished you are now as a performer and household name?
I don't really think of myself that way. I'm still the daft bugger who has never been able to ride a bike and struggles to eat just one biscuit. I'm just glad that I love my job and thrilled I'm allowed to do it.
You're releasing your third stand-up DVD 'Home Bird LIVE' - how long does it take for you to write a show?
I start scribbling as soon as I'm happy with the current show and squirrel away the new bits. I'm always writing but not in front of a computer screen for hours. I carry a notebook and I'll jot down funny lines or ideas all the time. Sometimes I text them to myself and look at the them the next day and they mean nothing!
What sort of process do you go through when writing new material?
I scribble down ideas and thoughts. Funny things I've said in conversation with friends. That sort of thing. Then I book in a new material gig and work on all of the scribbles for a few hours so they resemble jokes. Then I try them out of front of a crowd, making notes as to what worked and what died a death. You have a good idea what'll work but it's the audience who really decide. Lucky guinea pigs.
How do your family react when you use material about them?
They don't mind. I ask them first obviously. I try never to make anyone look bad. Daft yes. But not bad.
This tour saw you play over 140 shows all over the country, how was that experience?
Exhilarating. I love being on stage. In some ways, it's where I'm happiest. And while the travel can be hard going, it's worth it when I walk on a stage and see my lovely fans clapping away. I also have become very good at ordering food without a menu. I always have the same thing in all the chains.
Do you ever get nervous before hitting the stage or are you now used to all that side of things?
Always a little nervous. I think that's only right though. I should be nervous. Every crowd is different and they've invested a lot of time and money in this night so I should be excited to make it a great one.
You've sold hundreds of thousands of DVDs already and became the number one selling female comedian, how does that feel?
Amazing if slightly crackers. I remember when I heard that the first DVD had broken previous records. I was on a train and just starting crying. Silent sexy tears though obviously. I wasn't wailing and snotting everywhere.
We have to mention the John Lewis BAFTA dress - we all absolutely loved what you did to tackle the critics - why do you think it's so prominent in some areas of the media still to this day to pull apart a woman for their appearance?
I have no idea. I don't know if it's a way to bring women down or just lazy journalism. It wasn't just the media, it was the public too. It's very sad.
We saw it more recently with Renee Zellweger - what did you think of the way that was handled?
I just felt sorry for her. With all women, it's either, "oh look she's had her face done" or "oh she's looking old". That shouldn't be what's discussed. Her work is more important than her face. I'm not sure you can win with some people.
You wrote in your blog following the first BAFTA Awards that you struggled with self-esteem - is that something you're still working on to-date?
It's always a work in progress. It's improving thanks but in a job like this, there are always going to be wobbles.
What advice do you have for the regular woman to be more confident in herself?
I think maybe to consider how you actually look rather than how you're told you look. To wear what makes you feel great regardless of whether it's fashionable or other people approve. To spend time with good people who pump you up rather than drain you.
What would you note as some of your career highlights so far?
Royal Variety Performance, which I've now done twice, is always an honour. I just did Desert Island Discs which was a bloody thrill. And every time I go on tour. It's a real privilege to tour and I'm so grateful my fans want me to do it.
Do you have definitive aims for your career going forward or are you very much just enjoying the ride?
I've ticked loads of things off my list already so now I'm just enjoying the ride. I'd like to do more writing, stand up and otherwise. I can't wait for the next tour too. It's such a big part of my life and I love it.
Sarah Millican 'Home Bird LIVE' is available on DVD now .
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