Traveler-comedian Ian Wright was recently in Singapore to launch Discovery Travel and Living’s brand new series VIP Weekends with Ian Wright. Packing only his eccentric personality, this globe trekker is the epitome of the good old fashioned backpacker. We’ve seen him cruise through rough terrains, pull out all his clothes and jump into numerous lakes and seas, but can he survive sitting pretty and sipping champagne while brushing shoulders with high society? Despite the fame, this self-confessed Ordinary Joe represents the everyday man. With a backpack full of a wicked humor and undying passion, Wright lives life to the fullest without even trying.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
No idea, as I had no ambition. (Laughs).

What is your biggest achievement?
To be a husband.

How do you spend your Sunday mornings?
Car boot sales! It is a market where you fill your boot with junk and sell it. After which I enjoy a huge Sunday roast.

What is your idea of hell?

A lads’ holiday. Or a holiday with 40 other people around you.

What is your guilty pleasure?
I have nooooo guilty pleasure. Well, shopping, drinks and cigars. But no, I’m just kidding, no guilty pleasure.

How do you recharge?
Play football, do yoga. There’s nothing in your head but the ball. It is a phenomenal workout. You’re just brain dead for a while.

What’s playing in your Ipod/MP3/CD player?
I don’t have any of those. I still play tapes. James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and some house-funk. And everyone has to have a ‘70s disco compilation.

What are you reading now?
I am reading this book, it’s like a diary, a true story about a war pilot. This boy, he is only 17, my son’s age. It’s just phenomenal.

What do you collect?
Old bicycles. I am obsessed with them. I look at them like men look at women. You put them together, tandems and all. You do shows with them, sell them. I have a collection.

Where would you like to live?
England. I love and adore England. I go away a lot, so it is nice to be back.

What inspires you?
Honesty. Real people. Selflessness. Doing things without a motive.

What personal trait do you appreciate the most in others?
When people do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do.

Which living person do you admire most and would like to invite for dinner?
People around the corner. The woman next door. The single mother next door raising her kids on her own. Those at the bottom of the pile. They are the real heroes with real courage. They are bold as brass about adversity.

What about you that scares others?
Ordinariness. People always expect more when they meet me but are usually disappointed.

If you had to play a character in a movie, which movie and which character?
A lead zombie. With the whole makeup and all, with my eyes hanging out.

Do you feel like a celebrity?
Not when I’m home.

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