Early developer
North London boy and Arsenal fan Lucas made his stand-up comedy circuit debut way back in 1992 at the tender age of 18, appearing as much-loved character Sir Bernard Chumley. It didn't take him long to make a breakthrough as five weeks after his first gig, Bob Mortimer spotted his talent, leading to Matt's long association with Bob and Vic Reeves. This of course culminated in the role that probably defined Lucas pre-Little Britain: as giant score-keeping drumming baby George Dawes on Vic and Bob's comedy quiz Shooting Stars.

They met at the NYT. Yeh I know.
David Walliams first hooked up with his comedy partner at the National Youth Theatre, where the two were brought together by Walliams' love of Reeves and Mortimer. David, whose real surname his actually Williams, graduated from Bristol University and had a stint as a stand-up comedian, children's television presenter and scriptwriter. He finally teamed up with Lucas in 1995 and the pair took their "Sir Bernard Chumley and Friends" show to the Edinburgh Festival, returning in both 1996 and 1997.

Putting it about
While Little Britain has taken over their lives of late, both Lucas and Walliams have been in involved in a whole variety of projects you may not have been aware of. Matt is a prolific comedy writer with credits including Da Ali G Show. He also played Leigh Bowery in the original cast of the Boy George-scripted musical, Taboo - without need, obviously, for a bald cap. You can currently see him hamming it up as a gay Venetian duke in the BBC Three drama Casanova.

Bitty parts
David Walliams, meanwhile, is equally experienced. An ex-writer for Ant and Dec, he also used to present a children's programme called "Incredible Games" that no one remembers. Since then, he's made a range of slightly more memorable acting appearances of late, including the drama Attachments, the superb Simon Pegg-lead comedy Spaced, The League of Gentlemen and, recently, Cruise of the Gods with Steve Coogan. His upcoming projects include writing and starring with Rob Brydon in Home, a comedy set in an old people's home featuring, of all people, Ronnie Corbett.

The bitchiest gay in the village
Little Britain is now so massive, a whole manner of stars are clamouring to get in on the act. Elton, Robbie and George Michael(s) have all made appearances and it's rumoured that Hollywood dish George Clooney and veteran Robert Vaughan are lined up for cameos. That contrary old queen Boy George isn't such a fan though. The gay singer recently sniped about Lucas when remembering his role in Taboo. "He wouldn't talk about his sexuality, although he's now made the queerest show in Britain" he bitched. "I found him prissy - a niggly diva". Touch of jealousy, perhaps?