The son of strict Catholic parents, Johnny Vegas joined a seminary at the age of 11 but left after 18 months, deciding a career in the priesthood was not for him. Instead, when he was old enough, he headed for London to follow his new chosen career, pottery, and studied ceramic design for three years.

He flirted again with the idea of joining the church during a period of depression at the age of 24, but instead chose a career in comedy.

A talented entertainer, he combines Butlins style sing-a-longs with pathos and belly laughs. He presented The Big Breakfast during its twilight days, is a regular panelist on Shooting Stars and made a memorable guest appearance on Room 101, revealing an unhealthy obsession with chat room pubs. He also got a smile out of Anne Robinson on the The Weakest Link in 2000.

Johnny is also a talented comedy actor, as his award-winning performance as Charlie in Happiness showed. He also did a brilliant turn as Fran's dodgy landlord in Black Books.

Johnny Vegas won the Festival Critics' Award at the 1997 Edinburgh Festival, and was the first newcomer to be nominated for the Perrier Award.