Ricky Gervais

What were you like at school?

I loved school, but I had to get up early. I didn’t like that. I got on with the teachers and I loved learning. My favourite subject was Biology. I was probably a scientist first, a comedian second. I remember buying my first lab coat in a shop called Jackson’s Lane in Reading. Like a doctor. I didn’t wander round with a stethoscope pretending I was one though.

What was your Plan B?

I wanted to be a scientist from the age of 15/16. The pop star thing didn’t happen until I went to college and joined a band. It was my dream from about 20-25 and then I got fat so I had to be a comedian. I didn’t exactly decide to pack it in. Thanks for bringing that up...

What music do you listen to when you’re down?

I’m not one of these people that feels down. I listen to all the old things I love. Bob Dylan, Neil Young, David Bowie, Radiohead.

I also love The Killers and the new Coldplay album, I listen to that a lot actually. The last gig I went to was Coldplay. He’s really funny Chris Martin, really nice and really funny. People think he’s serious and up himself but he’s not at all. He’s sweet and insecure. He said this brilliant thing “I realise we couldn’t get bigger, but we could get better”. I like their attitude because it’s not ironic. They’re all sweet.

If you could choose to come back in another life, would you be male or female?

Male. It’s easier for men. If you had to take a chance you’d be a white, middle aged man because we’re not oppressed at all. Why would anyone choose an oppressed minority? Society’s not fair and it does still favour men in a lot of instances.

What's your work ethic?

When I was growing up I knew this bloke who earned £100 a day. I remember thinking I’d only work one day and then enjoy having the six other days off.

As it’s happened, I’m a workaholic now. These last couple of years, I’ve worked harder than I ever have in my life. But I enjoy it, it’s perfect.

Bob Dylan said “A man can consider himself a success if he gets up in the morning, goes to bed at night, and does exactly what he wants in between.” That’s what I’ve tried to do.

The first thing I tried to rule out was having to answer to someone. Being in charge of whatever you do. I can’t have a boss. Even mild oppression at work.

Ricky Gervais stars in 'Ghost Town', in cinemas 24 October.