Ten Things About... Jimmy Carr

Nowadays it’s hard to turn on the TV and not see Jimmy Carr. Over the past few years he has become one of the most mainstream and popular performers on the comedy circuit with his award-winning stand-up and various presenting slots on TV shows including 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Big Fat Quiz of The Year. His latest project is political satire The 10 O'Clock Show, which launches this week on Channel 4. To celebrate, here are 10 fast facts about the funnyman.

1. James Anthony Patrick Carr, known now as Jimmy, was born on September 15, 1972 and holds dual Irish-British citizenship as he was born in London to Irish parents, Jim and Nora. He attended Burnham Grammar School before studying at Cambridge University, graduating with a 2:1 degree in Political Sciences.

2. Before his break in the world of comedy, Jimmy worked as a marketing executive for Shell throughout the late nineties.

3. Jimmy's first television appearance was on a 'mockumentary' called The Colour of Funny and he went on to become one of Britain's most famous comedians. In 2002 he won the Time Out award for Best Stand-Up, swiftly followed by the same awards from LAFTA, The British Comedy Awards and the Royal Television Society.

4. His best friend is fellow comedian David Walliams, who is a regular guest on many of Jimmy’s television shows.

5. Jimmy didn't lose his virginity until the age of 26 due to his strong Christian faith. He later renounced his religion and became an atheist.

6. It is unlikely Carr will be making a Doctor Who cameo anytime soon. In 2005, he joked about the cult show: "It strikes me as very unfair that Doctor Who has now had eight lives whereas the fans of Doctor Who haven't even got one."

7. In 2006, Jimmy became the first major comedian to perform in the virtual reality world of Second Life, with over 100 virtual attendees. The following year, it was announced that Jimmy had set the record for being the first comedian to perform in cyberspace and appeared in the Guinness Book of Records.

8. Two years ago, Jimmy toured with The Killers and was their support act throughout their Las Vegas shows.

9. Jimmy's voice, and laugh, are extremely recognisable and he recently provided voice-overs for Lloyds TSB adverts.

10. Following an appearance on Top Gear, Jimmy was declared by The Stig as the worst driver that they had ever had and that he was lucky to be alive after completing a lap in the Reasonably Priced Car. His turns on the show have earned him the nickname 'Jimmy Carr-nage'.

Additional reporting by Emma Humphrey