Sex Education and QI star jokes that Swindonians hate him

Eshaan Akbar is a London comedian who has starred in several TV shows such as Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week as well as touring alongside Micky Flanagan.

The 38-year-old is now performing his debut stand-up comedy tour around the UK, but the comedian was quick to joke about the response from Swindon.

“I haven’t been to Swindon before but I can give you my impression of having not been,” joked Eshaan.

“I feel like everyone hates me because no one is buying tickets to my show so immediately I’m like what is going on in Swindon and what have I done to you?”

Eshaan recently performed on BBC's Live at the Apollo. (Image: Eshaan Akbar)

The comedian’s new tour is called ‘The Pretender’ and has received great reviews so far, with The Times awarding it a total of four stars.

Eshaan explained to the Adver how his new stand-up material is based on his own experiences of racism.

“It is my debut hour and it hinges on three racist experiences that I have had in my life,” he explained.

“I have had more but I picked these three in particular because I thought they were funny and the way I reacted to them was kind of unexpected.

“That’s the theme of the show as I do things in a way that surprises people and I react to things in a way that people don’t expect me to, so the show explores that.”

Sex Education is a successful show on Netflix which stars Asa Butterfield (far right) as the lead, Otis Milburn. (Image: PA)

Eshaan was recently cast in the fourth series of Netflix’s BAFTA-winning series Sex Education and told the Adver about the exciting opportunity.

“I can’t tell you who I am playing unfortunately but I really enjoyed it as it was my first acting job and I had never been on a film or tv set before,” he said.

“All the actors were very kind and messaged me to say they really enjoyed me being on set and it was just a lovely experience and hopefully there will be more acting jobs to come.”

The comedian also spoke of an amusing moment he had on set with the lead star of the show, Asa Butterfield.

“I am pretty sure that my senior cast would say that I was embarrassing in so far as I didn’t know who anybody was as I hadn’t watched the show,” revealed Eshaan.

“I remember asking Asa Butterfield who is the lead whether or not he had been on the program a long time!”

Eshaan has starred in several television shows but insists stand-up comedy is his first love. (Image: Eshaan Akbar)

Eshaan is also known for appearing on British panel shows such as Mock the Week as well as QI and the comedian revealed what has been the highlight of his television career so far.

“I have loved all of these experiences as you grow up watching these shows so it was a privilege to be in the room to do them,” he said.

“Live at the Apollo felt like a seminal moment because as a stand up it's one of the only shows that you have in the UK and stand-up is my first love.

“I had such a good time doing it and the experience couldn’t have gone any better.”

Eshaan also appeared on Mock the Week with show regulars Hugh Dennis (left) and Dara Ó Briain (right). (Image: PA)

The Londoner was also quick to give some valuable advice to aspiring comedians.

“If you’re really desperate to do it, you’ve got to keep digging and be willing to die on stage for the craft,” said Eshaan.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Everyone’s journey is different so keep on keeping on and opportunities will come your way.”

Eshaan brings ‘The Pretender’ to Swindon Arts Centre on Tuesday, April 4, and tickets can be bought here.