Charlie Higson: ‘By my mid-20s, I had a beer gut. It’s now the most substantial part of me’ | Life and style

Born in Somerset, Charlie Higson, 67, co-created, co-wrote and acted in The Quick Present, alongside Paul Whitehouse. The pair mark the thirtieth anniversary of the programme with their An Night With the Quick Present reside tour, which runs from this November to January. Higson’s novels for youngsters embrace the Younger Bond and The Enemy sequence. In 2023 he launched a historical past podcast, Willy Willy Harry Stee, and his ebook of the well-known rhyme has simply been revealed. He’s married with three kids and lives in London.What’s the trait you most deplore in your self?I could be horribly smug and immodest, and but at all times behind my thoughts is the thought that issues may go terribly incorrect at any second.What’s the trait you most deplore in others?Aggression. Anger. Rudeness. Intolerance. Lack of expertise. Just about your common day on X.What was your most embarrassing second?I’ve shat myself in public 3 times. It’s by no means fairly as dangerous as you concern.Except for property, what’s the costliest factor you’ve purchased?Three mature palm timber. We restored a property in Italy that had been derelict and I wanted to make it look established as rapidly as I may.What’s your most treasured possession?Except for the palm timber? My spouse is a great graphic designer and letterpress printer. For my fiftieth, she made me a little bit cupboard with 50 books in it, about totally different elements of my life.Describe your self in three wordsMiddle-class wanker.What makes you sad?I’m not too blissful in regards to the rise of open bigotry and prejudice. We went via this earlier than, within the 70s, so hopefully we will get via it once more.What do you most dislike about your look?In my early 20s, I used to be attractive. By my mid-20s, I had a beer intestine. It’s now probably the most substantial a part of me.Who would play you within the movie of your life?I as soon as auditioned to play the a part of Hugh Bonneville’s doppelganger. I didn’t get the half, however anyone clearly thought we seemed comparable.What’s your most unappealing behavior?I choose my nostril when no one’s trying.Who’s your celeb crush?Some say heterosexual males don’t discover Nicole Kidman horny. They’re incorrect.Which ebook are you ashamed to not have learn?I used to offer a unbelievable discuss Frankenstein and Dracula, however I’ve by no means been in a position to end both ebook.What’s your guiltiest pleasure?A Nutella sandwich with white bread.skip previous e-newsletter promotionSign as much as Inside SaturdayThe solely technique to get a glance behind the scenes of the Saturday journal. Signal as much as get the within story from our prime writers in addition to all of the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox each weekend.Privateness Discover: Newsletters could comprise details about charities, on-line advertisements, and content material funded by exterior events. In the event you shouldn’t have an account, we are going to create a visitor account for you on theguardian.com to ship you this text. You’ll be able to full full registration at any time. For extra details about how we use your knowledge see our Privateness Coverage. We use Google reCaptcha to guard our web site and the Google Privateness Coverage and Phrases of Service apply.after e-newsletter promotionTo whom would you most prefer to ask for forgiveness and why?All the children I didn’t reply to who’ve written pretty letters about my books.What does love really feel like?Being needed.Have you ever ever mentioned ‘I like you’ and never meant it?No. I’m fairly taciturn.Which phrases or phrases do you most overuse?I’m writing a ebook for the time being and I appear to make use of “however” rather a lot. It helps with the rhythm, however I’m spending loads of time going via and eradicating it. There! I’ve carried out it once more.What has been your largest disappointment?I’m a basic remoaner.How usually do you’ve gotten intercourse?I can’t let you know that, my spouse would possibly learn this (a joke, darling).What single factor would enhance the standard of your life?A secretary.