Fresh from her critically-acclaimed Edinburgh comeback show - and after sell-out performances on Broadway and a much-loved appearance on the Frank Skinner Show - comedienne Francesca Martinez embarks on her first tour in five years. We put some questions to her.

IF I WEREN'T TALKING TO YOU RIGHT NOW I'D BE...

Getting dressed. I just got back from touring this weekend and I'm having a lazy day.

A PHRASE I USE FAR TOO OFTEN IS...

"Cool" and "dodgy". Between them you can probably describe most things in the world.

I WISH PEOPLE WOULD TAKE MORE NOTICE OF...

The fact that we're alive on this ball of rock spinning round in space when there could have been nothing at all. It's good to remember that sometimes because it makes you appreciate the beauty of our existence.

IF I COULD ONLY EAT ONE FOOD FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE IT WOULD BE...

Poppadums piled high with sauces, and (I have to have two) sticky toffee pudding - but I'd probably last for a few days and then wish I could eat something healthy like an apple.

MY WORST HABIT IS...

Sticky toffee pudding.

I SPEND FAR TOO MUCH OF MY TIME...

Sleeping. I sleep a lot. But I love it. I used to feel very guilty about it but now I figure I should enjoy it now because when I have kids I'll have to change my sleeping habits - and fast.

I'M GOOD AT...

Loving what I do for a living.

I'M BAD AT...

Just watching one episode of 24 - I have to watch two or three in a row.

THE MOST SURPRISING THING THAT HAPPENED TO ME WAS...

Falling in love. I was convinced I wouldn't find the love of my life and I did.

I WISH I HAD MORE TIME TO...

Read. When I go to a bookshop, I just wish I could stop time and read everything in there.

YOU KNOW ME AS A COMEDIAN BUT IN ANOTHER LIFE I'D HAVE BEEN A...

Therapist. I love solving other people's problems. When I was a kid, I always wanted to solve everyone's problems. I think it's a hard thing to accept when you realise people suffer all the time and you can rarely help. But I've come to the conclusion that all we can do is the best in our lives and together that can contribute massively to easing suffering.

IN A NUTSHELL, MY PHILOSOPHY IS THIS:

Love, laugh and stay idealistic. The first step to creating a better world is to think of one.

See Francesca Martinez: In Deep, at The Lowry, Salford Quays, on Sunday, October 21. For tickets visit www.thelowry.com