Appearances can be deceiving

1:50pm Wednesday 5th November 2008

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When I interviewed comedian, Jo Brand, I didn't escape the contempt she clearly showed for the tabloid press - it was one of the first things she mentioned - but was rather hoping she'd have a more generous attitude towards us provincial journalists.

I knew she didn't like skinny people, supermodels or Tories and as I was none of these, I felt a little more comfortable with the quest.

In her 'larger -than-life' way, Jo Brand was everything I expected. I was pleasantly surprised to find that our interview didn't start, it naturally flowed, first with her reasons for being in Herefordshire, supporting one of our worthwhile local causes, onto a bit of background that helped make the woman, help create the humour and then onto her life as comedian, mother and novelist.

As she spoke and opened up, even in that short space of time, I discover ed a big woman (and I mean this in the sense of her personality) with a big heart.

I can't say for sure how big she really is because she is well hidden beneath volumes of excess material and it's hard to judge. She had on a baggy top and even baggier jeans. Her hugely oversized outfit, by the way, was finished off with a pair of steel toe capped shoes.

I could only conclude she wasn't dressing to impress, look sexy or feminine which sort of left me wondering just what impression she was trying to give . Maybe she wasn't, maybe she's a lazy dresser and her outfit was just 'easy casual' that doesn't need ironing and can be hung up on the floor etc. Maybe it's a trademark and a good way of keeping her public and private life separate. The type of trademark that , when you see it , you know what to expect and don't look any further.

Here was a woman of immense talent ; she was funny and, when she relaxed and smiled, her face held an open honesty . I warmed to her and she wasn't making it particularly easy for me to do that.

I learned, though, that her whacky perspective on life helps her live in a world she doesn't quite like or understand.

She actually has a particularly keen sense of morality and made a point of saying everyone should be equal and treated as such - except, of course, those 'bullies' , racists, or those in the wrong political party.