I've set myself a very high bar

Comedian Jessica Fostekew chats to MARION MCMULLEN about Gladiators, podcasts and life as a soccer mum

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(Laughs) I don't think they were surprised. I think a better word would be disappointed.

My dad is really funny and funniness is really a big, important currency in my family, especially my dad's side of the family. But also humility is a really big thing and that's an important value for me.

Having a job as a comedian you also have to be quite confident and that side of things is I think a bit jarring for my dad. He's not proud of any of his kids for anything.

He will be a bit proud, but he will also be a bit embarrassed. I think my mum is just roundly proud. As long as my heart is in the right place, she is happy for me. My mum can't think of anything worse than a job that involves public speaking and being in the public eye.

I remember one time saying to her, 'I've got a gig at the Royal Albert Hall', and she said, 'I'm so sorry'. She would hate to have to do that but I would rather stand up in front of 1,000 people than abseil off even a 10ft drop. I'm so scared of heights.

Did you enjoy doing the Gladiators podcast?

I love that. I made the podcast Contenders Ready when the last series was on. I made it with a friend, who is like the best Olympic weightlifter in the country, Emily Campbell.

The idea was I am obsessed with Gladiators and she likes it a normal amount and so we commented on it and had guests. She was meant to be the expert about strength and fitness and PE and I was the funny one and I'm absolutely livid because it turned out she is the funny one.