Lee was exposed to the demands of showbiz at an early age. His father, entertainer Dave Evans, still performs at clubs and pier ends. As he says: "My brother and I grew up in digs, theatres and clubs. We used to sit in the back of the car or be stuck backstage taking to dancers while Dad was doing his act."

After a spell as a boxer, and two years at art school in Essex, Lee decided to follow in his father's footsteps. The first four years were spent touring working men's clubs, the next five on the alternative circuit. Like a lot of now-established comics, his break came in 1988 at the Edinburgh Festival.