Age: 51.

Appearance: His look varies, to say the least. Currently, disreputable stage hypnotist.

Occupation: Comedian, actor, activist, multiple marathon runner, associate director of Crystal Palace FC, politician.

I didn't know about the last one. The last one is relatively new. Izzard has announced that he is seeking the Labour nomination for mayor of London.

A middle-aged blond clown as London's mayor? Never! Yes, perish the thought.

Does he have any experience in politics? He has campaigned for Labour and in support of the European Union and voting reform. But he has never held office, no.

That's OK. I admire his determination and ambition. When's the election? He means to run in 2020, the election after next.

Oh. He's not as ambitious as all that, then. Is he worried about skeletons in his closet? Izzard is gleefully upfront about everything, including being a transvestite. He might have some lovely dresses in his closet, but no skeletons.

So why wait? Izzard is a busy man. He is currently on a global standup tour, taking in 25 countries. And there's a documentary on TV on Thursday about his attempt to run 27 marathons in 27 days in South Africa, as a tribute to Nelson Mandela.

How did that go? He managed four before he was obliged to quit due to health complications.

Took on more than he could handle, I suppose. Not at all. In 2009, he ran 43 marathons in 51 days to raise money for Sport Relief, and next year he is going back to South Africa to complete the challenge. "I'm not stopping until at some point I do achieve 27 marathons in 27 days," he told the Radio Times. "I know I can do it."

Is he going to keep trying to be London mayor over and over, like Ken Livingstone? He says if he doesn't get Labour's endorsement, he'll try to become an MP instead.

Do say: "Never give up! Izzard for mayor at some point in the distant future!"

Don't say: "I don't know much about your politics, but I would definitely vote for you if you went on Strictly."