Writer and actor Gyles Brandreth reveals what he really thinks about the honours system

Gyles Brandreth gets a grilling with our 10 quick questions.

A good opera or a good panto?

Panto every time. Stanley Baxter in Mother Goose is my idea of heaven.

Ever wish you were still an MP?

Not at all. My diary of my time as a government whip has been republished and I’ve re-read it. It reminded me family life and politics don’t mix.

What do you value more from your time in Parliament, the friends or the pension?

I was only an MP for five years, so the pension isn’t great. I still have MP friends from all parties.

How many times have you played the Edinburgh Festival?

This will be my fifth time. I love everything about it. Even the rain.

What’s this year’s show about?

Word Power. The magic of language and the fun you can have. If you like Just A Minute or QI and want a chuckle, it’s your kind of show.

Has Countdown had its day?

I miss Richard Whiteley, but I still love Countdown and I go back to Dictionary Corner whenever I’m asked. It’s a show that will never go away. I love being on it.

What have you got against the honours system?

NOTHING. As a joke, when I was on Room 101, I chose the honours system as one of my items. Now everyone thinks I’m against it. I’m not. I regularly recommend people for an honour.

What habits should you give up?

My wife forced me to take the whole of January off from Twitter. Coming off my mid-morning triple-shot Americano coffee might be more of a challenge.

Are you the adventurous type?

If I’m asked to do something I haven’t tried before I usually say yes. I’ve never been in a ballet . . .

You’ve 24 hours left to live. How do you spend the time?

I’ll have an Americano with my wife, Michele. She’s directing my show and always gives good advice. I’ll be spending my last 24 hours listening to her telling me where I’ve gone wrong. I don’t think that will be enough time.

Report by Paul Coia