Most people would not think of Preston as a holiday destination, particularly if they had a home in Australia, but for Ben Elton it has become a favourite place to take a break.

The man who shot to fame in the 1980s as a ranting left-wing comedian forever taking a stab at Margaret Thatcher on cult TV show Saturday Live, often visits the city for a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of his working life.

The fast-talking star now divides his time between his homes in Fremantle, Australia and Notting Hill, London. But when asked if he had been to Preston before he scoffed: "Have I been here before? It must be seven or eight times. I treat the place as a holiday destination because my agent, who's also a good friend, lives here. It's great. I use it as somewhere to relax and get away from it all."

Ben is now a successful writer and director, and one of his biggest tasks at the moment is helping to translate his humour for the German production of his stage hit We Will Rock You, which he co-wrote with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.

"All the grammar is completely different so you end up getting the punchline at the beginning of the sentence," said Ben. "Whoever said the Germans don't have a sense of humour was wrong. It's no wonder with the grammar. I can't leave them to it. I have to go over there and help them. I just can't resist it."

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