THIS week I’m chatting to one of my favourite television personalities - TV presenter, author, comedian, radio producer and actor Karl Pilkington.

I asked Karl about his memories of growing up in Trafford.

“I grew up on Racecourse Estate in Sale and then went to Ashton on Mersey secondary school where I struggled to understand most stuff before leaving with just a GCSE grade E in History”, said Karl.

So, what does he like doing around Trafford? He said: “Not much these days as I don’t live there any more. But I still have a wander around on Google Street View. I’m always looking at places I used to hang around, but it’s all changed. I noticed the other day that the Wagon and Horses has been knocked down on Cross Street. My mate said it’s been replaced by a Co-Op.

“Makes me feel old when places I knew disappear. I wonder if growing up in Rome keeps you feeling young and your memories clear because the buildings are standing there forever?

“I remember cycling all over the place with my pet magpie Maggie on my handlebars, only nipping home for a dripping butty for some energy before going back out again. I loved being on my bike.

“My favourite job was my paper round. I used to deliver to houses off Manor Avenue/Epping Drive and the posher houses near the Avenue. One morning I got up and found my bike had a puncture so I tried doing my round on a pogo stick. I was absolutely knackered. Pogo sticks are not a good mode of transport.”

How did a lad from Sale with an E in History become successful in the entertainment industry?

Karl said: ‘I loved music as a kid. My mam always had the record player or radio going, so I heard a lot of music. I always dreamed of doing a radio show but my careers advisor sent me on work experience at Kwik Fit. The only thing I learnt there was that I didn’t want to work there after leaving school. I ended up using money I saved from my paper round and washing cars to buy a mobile disco set up, which I made some decent money through.

“Then my dad had a heart operation in Wythenshawe hospital and some lad came round the ward asking if anyone wanted a record playing on the hospital radio station.

“I asked him how he got a show on there and he said anyone can do it as it’s voluntary. I ended up doing a few shows.

“That led to me getting my foot in the door at Piccadilly Radio, where I eventually did the overnight show for a couple of years before being sacked for talking too much and not playing enough music.

“I ended up as a producer on the breakfast show before moving to London to work for Xfm for nine years.

“I was given to Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant to produce their show and that led to the podcasts and TV stuff. It didn’t all happen quickly for me.”

So what’s next for Karl Pilkington?

“I’ve finished filming a new series called Sick of It. After writing a few books about my travels around the world, (Idiot Abroad and The Moaning of Life) I thought I’d have a go at writing something for television with Richard Yee, who was a director on some of the Idiot Abroad trips."

When he’s not working, Karl likes to do little jobs around his house and garden.

He said: “I’ve just finished cleaning the decking. Once I’m done with this interview I need to clean the filters in the hot tub. I keep myself busy.”

I asked Karl to impart some of his famous wisdom for The Messenger’s readers.

He said: “I’ve heard there’s more chance of you dying on the way to buy a lottery ticket than there is of actually winning it. Is it worth the risk?”

You can catch Karl in Sick of It when it airs on Sky 1 in autumn.