Comedian Dom Joly, best known for his hidden camera show Trigger Happy TV, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a nationwide tour and a tie-in book. In a recent interview, he discussed his favourite moments from the show, his new project Mugwuffin, and his weight-loss journey.
Reflecting on Trigger Happy TV
Joly recalled the iconic giant phone and the snail sketch, which he re-did as a tortoise and hare. He noted that the snail sketch later gained 30 million views on TikTok after he posted it. He also mentioned that he and co-creator Sam Cadman kept every tape, making the footage like a marathon Beatles documentary.
When asked about the possibility of making Trigger Happy TV today, Joly said they took four old characters back to the same locations and it worked. However, he noted that smartphones have changed the landscape, as people would film and post the snail, then accuse him of stealing the idea.
New Project: Mugwuffin
Joly's new show, Mugwuffin, features new characters like the Good News Energy Bear, who knocks on doors to apologise for rising energy bills. He admitted that the show might lead to an angry crowd tying him to a lamppost.
Looking back, Joly said he doesn't cringe at old sketches, except for one involving fat suits and escalators, which he called a cheap joke. He also discussed his weight loss, mentioning he was 105 kilos, dropped to 88, then plateaued at 95. He orders the 10mg Mounjaro and gives himself half, acknowledging some people say users have cheated.
Social Media and Meeting Heroes
Joly expressed a love-hate relationship with social media, saying he would quit if he could but it's part of his job. He enjoys the wisdom of crowds, despite occasional negative replies.
He also spoke about meeting his hero, Robert Smith of The Cure, describing him as incredibly nice, generous, and decent. Joly had asked Smith to do a cameo and worried about his appearance, but Smith does his own makeup.
The Trigger Happy TV Storybook is available at awaywithmedia.com/buy-books, and tour tickets are at domjoly.tv/live. Mugwuffin launches in September.
