The comedian on not opening his mail, clipping his toenails in the bath, and why lying is funny

Born in Bromley in Kent, Dee, 63, was a waiter when he first appeared at the Comedy Store in London in 1986. In 1991, he won the British comedy ward for best stage newcomer and was given his own show on Channel 4. His 2004 Live at the Apollo series was Bafta nominated, and he co-wrote and starred in the sitcoms Lead Balloon and Bad Move. He has chaired Radio 4’s I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue since 2009, and co-hosts the podcast Oh My Dog! This week he begins a UK tour of his new standup show, Small World. He is married with four children and lives in London.

What is your earliest memory?
Aged about three, sitting on the pavement outside our house in Orpington with my friend Christopher, and making him laugh by eating biscuits really noisily. It’s still in the act.