“Talking about Dougal is water off a duck’s back to me now,” he said. “But to be honest the whole Father Ted experience is a bit of a blur. It was ten years ago. People often ask me if I have a favourite story or episode from the show, but I don’t. They’ve all blended into one for me.

“I don’t even watch it. My children have been watching it though.

“The kids at their school kept talking about Father Dougal. When they realised he was me, they started watching it.”

Ardal is bound for Derry on September 5 for a ‘one night only’ performance as part of the Big Tickle Festival. But he’s no stranger to the city. Before he was famous he took part in a big comedy night at the Delacroix and has previously performed at the Millennium Forum.

Despite his celebrity status and his years of experience, he said the nerves of stand up comedy never leave him.

“I've got used to it,” he said. “When I first started stand up as a teenager my legs were wobbling like crazy. It was a terrifying experience waiting to see if the people would laugh.

Doubts

“The doubts about your routine never leave you. But thankfully I get to try out a lot of my material on my wife. A lot of the jokes are about her so it’s good to run it past her anyway.

“I also try out the stuff on small groups and clubs and the like. For me stand up is an addiction I can’t rid myself of. I keep trying to retire from it, but I can’t help stop from going back.

“There is something about the immediacy of it, and I find it easy to get things off my chest.”

Since Father Ted, Ardal has gone on to star in several successful TV shows including My Hero, Doctor Who and Skins. He’s also made several documentaries in Ireland. But now he’s taking time to concentrate on his writing.

“I’ve been blessed with the roles I’ve had on T.V.,” he said. “But I love just sitting here at home writing There’s just something about sitting here, going into your own head and seeing what comes out. I’m supposed to be writing a sit com at the minute, and with a deadline looming I’m waiting to see what happens next.”

Tickets for Ardal’s show are now available from the Millennium Box Office. Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings and enquiries.