But he escapes unharmed

Ross Noble's Australian home has been destroyed by the bush fires that have claimed more than 180 lives.

The Geordie comic spends six months of his year in St Andrews, Victoria, about an hour's drive north of Melbourne, where he lives with his wife Fran.

His farm was one of about 1,000 destroyed by fires that have swep through the country, claiming another 500 injuries. However, both Noble and his wife have escaped without injury.

In an interview with a local radio station, the 32-year-old described how his neighbours recently held a meeting about plans with how to deal with bush fire - but in the event the blaze spread so quickly they could not implement them. Many of the people at that meeting are now dead.

One listener said Noble sounded 'cut up' and 'still in shock' over the incident, and was struggling for words.

So far, four people have been confirmed killed in St Andrews, with another 21 in the wider area.

Town resident Ken Rogers, 70, told the local paper: 'It came through so fast,. We just sat in the driveway and watched the house burn down.'

Noble once described his Australian home: ‘It’s surrounded by fields. And animals... cows, horses, possums,giant wombats. And kangaroos. A lot of kangaroos. I counted 23 from the bedroom window. The giant wombats dig giant holes. That can make riding a bike a bit hazardous. There are deadly snakes and spiders, too.’

A starement issued by Noble's agents, PBJ Management, said: 'Ross Noble has confirmed that his home has been destroyed by the bush fires in Victoria, Australia.

'However he and his family are safe and well, and plans for his forthcoming tour remain unchanged.'

Published: 10 Feb 2009