BBC's Michael McIntyre refuses to watch any comedy other than his ...

Michael McIntyre has remained one of the UK’s most popular comedians since kicking off in stand-up in 2003.

For 25 years he has captivated audiences with his charming jokes and hilarious one-liners, which saw him perform at the Royal Variety Performance three times.

He also hosted the entertainment fundraising event, becoming the youngest ever to do so in 2010.

Michael’s successful career includes performing for an estimated total of 500,000 people on his first tour of the UK, which included a record-breaking six nights at Wembley Arena and four at The O2 Arena.

Despite the vast number of British comedians, the 48-year-old revealed he prefers not to watch other comedy shows after struggling to befriend his peers.

Michael recalled: “When I was knocking around on the circuit I could just feel it in the room, I think there was one time when I was actually in the loo in the dressing room, and they all started b**ching about me.

“I had to open the door and say, ‘Hello!’ It got so bad that I started bitching about myself just so people would talk to me.”

Admitting he doesn’t like to think about his contemporaries too often, Michael added: “I don’t watch any other comedy, I don’t study stand-up as an art.

“I almost worry it would confuse me and overcomplicate things. If somebody was bad I would get a bit cocky, and if somebody was really good I would start to panic.”

The presenter continued: “I would be like, ‘How did you think of that?’ I don’t want to be influenced.

“You know, you go through your own process and I just naturally say what makes me laugh and build it up [into a routine],” Michael told The Telegraph.

As well as being named 2012’s highest-grossing stand-up comedian in the world, the star also embarked on a career as a TV presenter.

Following Michael McIntyre's Big Show which launched in 2015, he also hosts The Wheel on BBC One.

The show which airs on Saturday evenings will not air this weekend for a special celebrating 25 years of his comedy, titled Michael McIntyre's 25th Year Stand-Up Special.