Johnny Vegas is one of the few stand-up heroes of mine I haven’t met yet, so he maintains a mythical status to me. I loved watching him on Shooting Stars and can immediately recall him managing to not spill any Guinness despite going on a children’s roundabout and getting very dizzy. I then discovered his chaotic, ranting stand-up which showed his natural funny bones and an under-appreciated tenderness.

When I first started comedy, I was trying hard to recreate some of what I loved about him, and delivered routines while standing on tables and at one point punched through three watermelons while hosting Late ‘n' Live at the Fringe. I’m not blaming him for those decisions, but they came from my desire to be like him.

I love his creativity and uniqueness, with a standout being his DVD Who’s Ready For Ice Cream?, which mixed stand-up and an improvised narrative. Using a pottery wheel on stage is something that, alongside Tim Key’s shows which have included a double bed and a bath, has inspired me to incorporate theatrical elements into my shows (replacing myself with another actor or stopping halfway through for a cliffhanger and ‘previously on’ section, for example).

I think all comedians are an amalgamation of their various inspirations, mixed with their own personality, which over time forms a unique voice. I like to think I’ve found that unique voice now, but it will always include some of my desire to be like Johnny Vegas.

Ian Smith: Crushing is on tour until Thursday 18 April.