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There comes a time in every reporter’s life when they have to interview one of their heroes.

And for Burton Mail trainee Chris Watson, it was a nerve-wracking experience when he spoke to comic actor Rik Mayall, due in the area in his new stage show A Family Affair.

Chris knew him mainly from TV appearances in The Comic Strip, The Young Ones and Bottom.

Given the chance of a 10-minute phone interview with Rik, Chris jumped at the chance to pose the questions.

He explained: “Since I began working on the Mail, I hadn’t really been fazed by any interviews I’ve had to do.”

But the Rik Mayall interview was a different story.

He said: “It was the first time I’d had to interview someone who I admired. In the back of my mind I kept thinking about what they say about how, when you meet your heroes, it can sometimes be a big disappointment.”

Chris collected his nerves, made sure all his notes were in front of him and dialled the number.

But things didn’t go to plan.

Chris explained: “I rang the number right on the dot. It rang for ages and ages but nobody answered. I was a little bit disappointed because I’d been excited about talking to him but I was also a bit relieved because I hadn’t had to go through with it.”

He waited a few minutes before trying the number again.

Once again, it rang and rang but this time, somebody answered.

It was Rik!

“As soon as he answered, I could tell it was him because he’s got such a distinctive voice. He asked me if I could ring back in 90 seconds. I think he had to move from a rehearsal to his car or something.

“I just sat there, watching my second hand go round for 90 seconds and then I rang him again.”

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