RADIO host Christian O’Connell returns to his home city tonight as Winchester Comedy Festival continues with his critically acclaimed show You’ve Ruined My Morning...And Other Fan Mail at the Discovery Centre.

The Absolute Radio breakfast show DJ is particularly nervous about his Hampshire dates, he tells Lorelei Reddin.

“I’m so nervous about this one, I can’t even sleep! I keep wondering why I’m putting myself through this. There’s going to be at least three ex-girlfriends there as far as I can tell.

“I couldn’t decide whether to play Winchester and it’s turned into part stand-up, part reunion. I’ve had so many messages saying I haven’t seen you for 25 years, although in most cases there’s a reason for that!"

Christian will be revealing the ups and downs of life on air – from winning multiple awards for his show to receiving death threats and abusive letters from offended clowns and angry cat lovers.

He adds: “I had a three page letter from a crazy cat woman complaining about my attitude to cats and the Cliff Richard and Barry Manilow fans are the worst. One of them sent me a death threat! Complaining has got completely out of control, it’s really disproportionate!

“People are so much more sensitive than they used to be. They call for me to get sacked. I’m on the radio, I’m just not that offensive. You can’t be! People get so wound up about comedians, but we’re not politicians we’re just professional clowns!

“The audiences seemed to love the show in Edinburgh. They were just shocked at the things people will complain about.”

Winchester Comedy Festival got under way yesterday with John Lloyd’s new show Emperor of the Prawns – a hilarious hour from one of British comedy’s most inventive minds with a CV that includes creating Not The Nine O’Clock News, Blackadder, Spitting Image and QI. It brings 28 acts to five venues in Winchester across four days.

Enjoy lots more laughs from the likes of Simon Munnery, Tom Deacon, Katherine Ryan and The Voice Next Door.

For an interview with self-proclaimed 'absolute' lad Joe Lycett who brings That’s the Way A-ha A-ha Joe Lycett to Winchester, turn to page 35. For tickets, visit winchestercomedyfestival.co.uk.