ALAN Carr will probably become a household name in the next few years. He is already a hit on the Manchester comedy circuit and is gaining a national following, thanks to his critically-acclaimed stand-up shows.



Stretford-based Alan has already won a handful of top awards, including the City Life Best Newcomer award, The Telegraph's Critic's Choice award and the BBC New Comedy award. He is the next big thing. But there's just one problem that could prove a handicap on Alan's road to stardom. He doesn't like comedy.



He says, in deadpan style: "I don't really find many things funny. There aren't any comedians I really like. I don't try to copy anyone else because I don't find anyone that funny. And I don't really like jokes, either."



This sounds slightly incongruous coming from someone who makes his living as a comic. But Alan explains he has a strange sense of humour. "I find old people falling over hilarious." That's not so strange, I try to reason. He replies: "It is when you push them yourself."



And with that he bursts into a fit of giggles. On stage, Alan, 28, comes across as a cross between Kenneth Williams and Les Dawson. His brand of humour is bitchy, irreverent and observational. And, happily, he is just the same when he is not performing.



He talks in a slow, languid manner and has a slight northern accent, even though he hails from Northampton. He has lived in Manchester for years, though, and has a real affection for the city.



Northampton

"I love Manchester," he says. "Compared to Northampton, it's paradise. The comedy scene here is great and people seem to find me funny, which obviously I like. I live near Stretford Arndale Centre and I absolutely love it there. It gives me so much inspiration for my comedy. The people are so funny."



Thanks to his regular slot at the Comedy Store, Alan Carr's Ice Cream Sunday, he is something of a cult star around the city. His show was a big hit with Manchester's laughter lovers and attracted quite a celebrity audience, with Neil and Christine Hamilton and Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay among his fans.



He has already written for Paul O'Grady and worked on Jonathan Ross's chat show. He's now making regular TV appearances, and is a frequent guest on The Des And Mel Show, having to tone down his act for the daytime audience.



He doesn't really have any hobbies - although he does like walking. "I like to get out into the country. I've just become a member of the National Trust, which feels very weird and grown-up.



"It was a bit embarrassing, actually. My mum told my next-door neighbour I'd become a member of the National Front. She kept giving me funny looks."



Rita's Cabin

Asked about his ambitions, Alan says he would like to star in his own TV sitcom and perhaps have a radio show. And he reckons he'd be a hit in Weatherfield. "I'd like to have a cameo on Corrie," he laughs. "I can just see me in Rita's Cabin. I could turn up as Norris's love child."



He'd like to continue doing stand-up, but moans about how much material a new show demands. He is currently writing his show for this year's Edinburgh festival and finding it quite a drain.



"Writing really gets to me after a while. It's exhausting how much material you need for a new show. And writing jokes isn't really my thing."



Alan became a comedian after encouragement from his friends. "I used to work in this awful call centre in Manchester. I absolutely hated it. They were so strict. They used to time your toilet breaks.



"I'd tell people about it and they would laugh, so eventually I thought I'd try comedy. I don't have to go to that call centre any more, although it was great for material." His dad, Graham, was a professional footballer and is now the chief scout for Manchester City. "I think he'd definitely prefer me to be a footballer. Being a comedian is a strange way to make a living."



Alan Carr plays the Bolton Octagon on Saturday, September 3. é10. Call 01204 520661.