A star of the UK comedy circuit, Russell Howard's infectious humour is irresistible. Plus, his blonde locks and boyish looks have helped make him a bit of a hit with the ladies. We talked to the boy wonder about flotation tanks, Championship Manager and groupies.
I have a deep lack of respect for myself. I can't really fathom why anyone would want to listen to me
When did you first realise you were funny?
Probably when I was little. Everyone's funny when they're little. Properly I guess when I did my first ever gig. It was the first time I thought, "Yeah, I can do this".
Who's the wittiest comedian around?
Erm... Frankie Boyle is very good. And Johnny Vegas is extremely witty. There are also loads of really good unheard of comics that are great.
Do you make yourself laugh?
Not really. I have a deep lack of respect for myself. I can't really fathom why anyone would want to listen to me.
I did a floatation tank the other day. Basically you're in this sort of capsule just with yourself. It's like being locked in a room with someone you hate. It's the most depressing experience in the world. I don't really get on with myself.
You make regular TV appearances on Mock the Week and Never Mind the Buzzcocks. What do you prefer telly or stand up?
Stand up, it's loads easier. Although Never Mind the Buzzcocks is quite easy - trying to outwit pop stars isn't difficult. The others are good fun, but they're a proper slog.
Have you been offered many TV gigs?
Yeah, especially when I was younger. I got offered loads of presenting jobs interviewing pop stars. If I ever have to ask what Jamelia what her favourite cheese is I'd shoot myself in the mouth. When you just want to be on telly for the sake of it it's really sad.
You've been described as a bit of a heart throb. Do you have any groupies?
No not really. I get the occasional comment from a girl when I'm out with my girlfriend - it drives her mental. It's all very odd. Because I share my name with Russell Brand - who's this lothario - I feel this pressure on me to bang, but that's not me. But I tell you what, if there was a competition, I bet you I've played more hours of Championship Manager than Russell Brand. That's what I bring to the Russell world.
How much of your live show is improvised?
It kind of depends on the audience really. I'll have an hour of material ready to go, but I like smudging it in, fking around with the crowd.
I was in Salisbury the other day, which is a really great, mad little place. There were loads of heckles flying in left, right and centre. And then there was this really weird moment where this 14-year-old kid got into the gig - god knows how. He had shorts on and walked along the front of the stage half way through my set.
I asked if he was alright and he said, "Yeah, I'm just looking for the toilet." He looked properly terrified, I just couldn't bring myself to say anything other than, "They're just over there mate". So he wandered off and I turned to the crowd and said, "I just looked into his eyes, he looked so vulnerable, I couldn't say anything else", and this bloke shouted, "Weak, you're weak Howard!" You can't plan stuff like that - it's so funny.
For more from Russell visit his official website: www.russell-howard.co.uk
Comments
Displaying 1 to 5 of 29
One of the sweetest and funniest stand ups and sexy as hell too!
He's My Favourite Comedian Ever :) <3 He's So Funny :) :D <3 :) :D <3 :) :D <3 ilovehim :) :D <3
omg how can he think hes not funny luv himm sooooo much ! best comidan in the world i hope he makes more gd news series soon !
:L nice story to tell likes :L xx iam going to see russell in march go to that onee
We Tried To Get Into A Russell Howard Gig Once When We Were Both About 10 /11ish? Dunno Witch One Tho , But We Were So Skint So We Tried Climbing Through The Window At The Side Of The Biluding , It Didnt Work , Insted We Had A Lovley View Of An Old Lady In A Weel Chair In A&E As Megz Fell And Broke Her Arm In Bout 4 Places :L
Displaying 6 to 11 of 29
hehehe I love Russell hes amazing :) hes soo very funny, i have his dingledodies live and russel howard live i loveh him soo much XD
hehehe I love Russell hes amazing :) hes soo very funny, i have his dingledodies live and russel howard live i loveh him soo much XD
i love the photo sooo mch ^^ :L cutee x
where's this guy been hiding? i LOVE his stuff.
Iam gonna see russell is March in Glasgow and iam excited now x Kehn i would be a groupie too :)
Displaying 11 to 16 of 29
NEED To See Russell Live My Top Goal In Life Love Russell And Good News
Russell You are my favourute i love watching Mock the week and Good news canni wait till its back on likes :DD x Love you xxxxxxxxxx
Fave comedian of all time! x i could be his groupie :P
My fav. comedian at the minute, hilarious bloke...and i would quite happily be his groupie :P
I love this guy!! Whenever he does all the stuff he looks clueless in or like a child it works so well cos of how he looks!!
Displaying 16 to 21 of 29
This Man Is A GENIUS. A Comedic GENIUS.
Russell Howard's work Is th actully definiton for bloody hilarious.Lovee Him <3 xx
i think Russell howard is mega funny , i think i am like him alot as i am the funny one out of all my friends they all say i should take it up but im not sure im good enough ??
Russell Howard is epicness in a bottle!!
Verry good comedian, Sometimes think he jus makes up stuff and says it wierd to sound funny. otherwise good.
Displaying 21 to 26 of 29
great comedian
I hate the fact that I'm too young to go to any of his gigs! I watch him on tv all the time and I really can't see what the difference is except for price! Oh well, maybe in a few years! You're a comic genius!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
omg i love Russell Howard!!! he's amazing!!! =] cant wait too see him live!! xxxx
Russell has a xxxxxx top script every time,delivered like a naughty boy with his fingers in grandma's biscuit barrel!! Very funny and very sexy!! Yo!
why is it that loads of comediens release their video's on my birthday? I guess the 17th is a special date!! Go russell!!! xxx
Displaying 26 to 29 of 29
I Can't Wait To See Russell Howard In Manchester! He Is Sexy And Funny Its Brilliant :D x
one of the funniest comedians ever!!!!!!!!
A Russell, the kid of Mock the Week I think. He adds more variety to Mock the Week. Not seen him in any other shows though. That'll change though. I like Russell, I hope he never changes and the girls leave him alone, hit girlfriend must be pretty stressed out. Go Russell!
i love russell he's hilarious!! as soon as i hear his name on mock the week, my eyes light up!!