The comedian and writer Dom Joly is best known as the star of Trigger Happy TV, a hidden-camera comedy show.

Joly, 41, was born in Beirut and speaks Arabic and French, as well as English. He arrived in Britain aged seven and attended the Dragon School, Oxford, Haileybury College, Hertfordshire, and the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, where he got a 2.1 in international relations.

Trigger Happy TV first screened on Channel 4 from 2000 to 2002. A spoof documentary about himself followed, called Being Dom Joly, and a series of Trigger Happy TV was made for American viewers in 2003.

Joly is also a travel and sports writer and is working on a film version of Trigger Happy TV in the US, called War of the Flea.

He lives with his wife, Stacey, and their two children, Parker, eight, and Jackson, four, near Cirencester in Gloucestershire.

How much money is in your wallet?

Nothing. I live in the country, miles from any cash machine. I always plan to get something out, but I find myself with a selection of coins in the car. I usually take out about £100 if I do get round to it.

Do you have any credit cards?

I have an American Express as my main card, as well as a Mastercard and a Visa. I buy most things on the Amex because of the free Airmiles. I went to LA recently using them. I pay off the bill every month.

Are you a saver or a spender?

A total spender. If some new toy comes in, I’ll just go out and buy it. I’m a gadget freak. I used to save a bit when Trigger Happy was happening, but that didn’t last long and I spent it all on things like cars and a plane.

Hitting 40 made me think. I’ve been under orders from my wife to start saving for our kids. I put money into long-term savings accounts for school fees.

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