Sad, sleazy Richie is a loser in every respect. The washed-up and worn-out actor has little talent but lots of misplaced self-belief, and is constantly searching for recognition.

He thinks of himself as a bit of a Bohemian and a massive talent - a view the rest of his world simply do not share, hence why he is permanently "resting".

Richie thinks the world owes him a living, and this is where writer Elton brings the satire to the fore; Richie is so delusional of his celebrity status, he feels the need to hire a bodyguard.

Eddie is lazy, disloyal and violent, and he occasionally pretends to be Richie's friend for personal gain.

Once again, Edmondson plays a working class man bordering on the psychotic. His alcohol-induced ways may not be coherent, but they make much more sense than the ramblings of his companions.

Incredibly seedy and useless, Ralph Filthy is Richie's agent - and is rubbish at his job.

Ralph even has a sideline in child prostitution and porn under the pretence of running a stage school!