Presenter profiles

You may wonder how, and why, a stand up comedian comes to a current affairs programme here on BBC Newcastle – well, that's my story of stand-up to sit down…

This is my patch. I was born and raised in Thornley, just east of Durham, and with my father being a miner, was entrenched with the often bitter politics of the miners' strike – which left a lasting impression on my outlook on life.

In a strange Billy Elliot parallel, I didn't want to follow my Dad down the pit - from an early age, I wanted to be a priest.

I attended a junior Catholic seminary for five years before moving up to the senior seminary in Ushaw. It was there that I was lucky to be involved in a variety of pastoral work.

Just before my ordination, I joined a religious order, called the Salesians of Don Bosco – it was through my work with them in communities of young people at risk that my eyes were really opened to life. My time with the Salesians took me to the really tough areas of Dublin, Liverpool and London.

Charlie and Alfie - the new dynamic duo...

I also carried out chaplaincy work in Durham and Franklin prisons as well as school, hospital and hospice work in the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese.

All change

But then life was to change. The Salesian Order backed me in my application to Middlesex University in the mid 1990s where I took advantage of their drama degree course that had a module in stand-up comedy – quite a departure from my religious studies of the past.

After 15 years within the close confines of a Catholic order, I had what I would term as an epiphany moment - I realised I'd always wanted to perform, entertain and communicate.

It was one that the Salesians fully endorsed, even although they had to go through a formal process that included written permissions from the Vatican.

With my vows formally rescinded and my departure from the Catholic order being on very amicable terms, I was to make my way forward in a life of stand-up comedy. It was now that my institutionalised rhythm of life was shattered.

A new colour on my life's palette emerged. Armed with a well-rehearsed routine, I hit the stage running and that stage became an international theatre for me. For 10 years, I hit the clubs, comedy stores, cruise ships and places dotted around the world from the Mediterranean to Singapore – great fun.

I also became a regular guest across radio broadcasting with both commercial stations and the BBC.

For the last one-and-a-half years, I have had my own afternoon show here on BBC Newcastle and now… my big challenge – the Breakfast Show. It's a challenge that I relish.