In a novel move for a comedian, Iain Stirling shot to fame presenting the CBBC Channel along with his sidekick Hacker T. Dog. Intertwining the wholesome world of kids' TV with the seedy late-night exploits of stand up comedy, Iain went on to place second in the Chortle Student Comedian of the Year competition at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2009. Showing he's a man of many talents, this was followed by another stint as presenter on the CBBC Shows 12 Again and Help! My Supply Teacher's Magic, the latter centering around inviting magicians into schools and tricking children into thinking that they were real teachers (a potentially risky premise given the BBC’s history, some might argue).

Iain left CBBC in 2013 to pursue comedy full-time. I checked in with him after one of his recent gigs to find out how the transition is going:

You started doing stand-up while studying as a law student at the University of Edinburgh. A law degree has a traditional reputation of zapping people’s time, energy and sanity (maybe just my friends?) How did you find the time?

If I'm being honest I didn't really. I started stand up in my last year at university and stupidly let studies take a back seat. That's why I'm answering these questions now and not having a drink with all your friends after (our) work!

Before being a full-time stand up, you worked as CBBC presenter. Would you ever go back? I’ve always thought it must be difficult when you’re having a bad day and then have to go into the CBBC studio and be just so gosh darn cheerful!

I still do bits and bobs for CBBC and it's good. But yeah doing any job when you’re not in a good place emotionally is difficult. Kids TV really does push those boundaries. I once found myself smiling through a day’s filming with Jedward after a break up, which was far from ideal. You can just be sad I guess, kids love pathos, am I right!?

You’ve lived in England for six years, yet you clearly still have strong ties to Scotland. Would you have been happy to see an independent Scotland if the referendum had swayed in the ‘YES’ direction?

Which of the parties do you think has the best shot at revitalising Britain in the May election?

I’d have liked to seen Scotland have a go at things on their own, sure. Anything must be better than what we've got now. I think we should leave it to the women; they're all great. SNP, Greens and Plaid Cymru should share it. Leftie ladies - it's the only way!

What do you think of the pledge by Ed Miliband not to go into a coalition government with the SNP?

I think we need Nicola Sturgeon if Ed is the PM. Imagine him in international negotiations!? It would be a joke. Ed against Vladimir Putin. Nicola would be all over that guy!

Do you find social media mediums like Twitter are useful for allowing you to promote your own career or an unwelcome distraction from, for example, writing new material?

I like Twitter and do spend a lot of time on there, writing stupid jokes. I guess it is procrastination but then again there are less productive things to look at on the internet...

How long does it take you to come up with an hour of new material? Talks us through your writing process. Is there a lot of re-drafting and screaming at the walls?

It just depends really. Some stuff just comes together easily and other stuff takes a few drafts to get right. There are no walls screamed at. Sometimes the occasional audience member, but never walls.

Have you ever been tempted to create a set that’s a mix of children’s TV presenter combined with the more ‘adult’ stand-up? I’m basically thinking something like a live action Krusty the Klown.

It's never really struck me, that. I don't know who wins in that exchange? So me dressed as a clown just being depressed? Actually now I've said it I can see the appeal. I'll work on it for the next Edinburgh show. I can even encapsulate shouting at some walls!

What’s next for you? Have you started writing this year’s Edinburgh show yet? Can you give us any hints as to what it’s about?

I've written about 30 mins of an hour long show. This year is a lot about life post referendum, our current (dire) political situation and a 10 minute bit about McDonalds. There is a clown joke in that. The Krusty dream might still be realised.

We all hope it will be. Lastly, are you aware that there is a Fantasy Flight games character, named Iain Stirling: Retired Spook (http://netrunnerdb.com/en/card/05028) and hence you are competing for the rights to your name?

I'm still above him on Google, until that changes the guy is free to do whatever he likes!
 

Iain Stirling will perform Everything at the Soho Theatre on the 17^th and 18^th April and his new show Touchy Feely at Pleasance Above from the 5^th-28^th August as part of Edinburgh festival. More info and tickets available here iaindoesjokes.com