Ben Miller

Ben Miller

Ben Miller has confirmed he’s working on new material with partner Alexander Armstrong, but it’ll be a long time coming because both comedians are busier than ever.

The pair found fame on the hugely successful Armstrong and Miller show, but after collaborating last Christmas for a one-off special Felix and Mungo, the duo has struggled for the time to work together.

Armstrong is current caught up with the new series of BBC’s Pointless, while Miller, 46, is spending six months in the Caribbean filming a second season of Death in Paradise.

"We’d love to work together again, but it’s just looking for the right material," Miller reveals. "We’re constantly swapping ideas back and forth, but with his commitments and Death in Paradise, it’s not going to happen any time soon."

The tropical detective series, a sleeper hit for the BBC, will return later this autumn, featuring all-star appearances from Stephanie Beecham and pop star Jamelia. And Miller admits it’s the best gig of his career, despite the difficulty in being separated from his new family.

"I work out in the Caribbean for half the year, playing a detective who’s really into science. Anybody who knows me will tell you that’s a dream come true," he says.

"But it’s tough for my family. We only get to see each other every two-and-a-half to three weeks. Either I fly out or they come over, but I do most of the flying because our baby boy is quite small and it’s difficult to get him on a transatlantic flight. He’s only starting to sleep properly now."

In between his Atlantic criss-crossing, the former stand-up managed to complete his first book, It’s Not Rocket Science, which sees him explain the wonder of science in a readable and relatable way.

And after dropping out of a PhD in Quantum Physics in Cambridge, does Ben view the creation of the book as something of a cathartic experience designed to rid him of university guilt?!

"I wanted to do something about my favourite bits of science, explain them for people who haven’t studied science," he explains.

"And I guess you’re right; I never finished my PhD so I feel like I’ve now repaid some form of karmic debt!"


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