Written by: Yasmeen Khan
Published: Thursday 9th August 2012

Even on the phone, I can tell how content Jeff Leach is. Often described as 'fearless' and the subject of documentaries about his sex addiction and male prostitution, Jeff is back with his second stand-up show. He's overcome some of his daemons and his status has changed from 'sex addict' to 'in a relationship', meaning he's having a very different Edinburgh to his last one. So are his hell-rasing days over and does he regret telling all on stage and TV?

Over the last year and a half you've laid yourself bare in your material and on television [he was the subject of a sex addiction documentary on BBC Three earlier this year and has talked openly about this and his previous additions to drink and drugs]; is there any part of it you regret?

No, not at all. I've done that level of honesty the whole time I've been doing comedy. It's a foundation of my character that I share everything; I put everything out there so that there is nothing left to expose. Being on stage is actually a bastardised version of counselling for me - the audience are in fact paying for my therapy.

Was there a moment when you realised you needed to change?

I've known for years that 'this is not good for you' and I know I'm known for being outlandish, but I've also been very aware of it myself. I have an addictive personality and I had a high tolerance for the sex and drugs, but I could be in a room full of wasted people and know that I wasn't happy. This is the best year of my career so far and I had to make a decision - do I want to be fifty years old and be tarnished and miserable or do I want to be making movies and doing big gigs and be happy and in a stable relationship. But it wasn't an overnight change, it was a gradual thing, a lot to do with maturing and meeting the right woman.

In conquering your addictions, did you worry that you might run out of material?

I've always led an extreme life, whether debaucherous or clean living. I gave up drugs a couple of years ago and drink a year ago and now I'm learning to be a good boyfriend, which is terrifying in itself, so no, I certainly still have things to say.

How is Edinburgh for you so far?

This Edinburgh is happy, the last one for me was lonely. I got banned from the Pleasance for having sex in the toilets there - this year I'm up here living with my girlfriend and her child, it's a totally different experience, in fact it's a pleasure compared to last time.

What are the best and worst reactions you've had from other comics?

There are some that don't like me instantly, even if they've never seen my stuff - I guess because I'm flamboyant and confident I'm not a stereotypical comic - but for the most part they get on with me. I do value and respect people's opinions but at the same time if other comics don't like me I don't give a shit; as long as the audience are laughing that's all the validation I need.

Who/what would be your Edinburgh picks for this year?

A huge list, but I love Tom Stade - he has a personable arrogance about him but yet he's still likeable. I'm also seeing a lot of theatre and top of the list has to be Seasame Street Live, it's got RSC production values and Cookie Monster looks fantastic.

If you weren't doing comedy you'd be...

Oh God sorry, but I was one of those irritating child actors who always wanted to do it. My mum was a drama teacher who took me to the theatre every weekend so I grew up with it. I've done a lot of different things in the past but my passion has always been comedy acting. I only started doing stand-up two years ago and now I feel like I was born to do it. My ideal would be to divide my time between doing stand-up and movies and of course a nice family life.

Has your Mum seen you on stage then? What do your family make of your material?

Mum and Dad see my stand-up quite a lot and they're very proud. I have complete honesty both on stage and with them. It might not be something anyone wants to acknowledge but our mums have probably tried anal, so what am I really going to say on stage that would shock them?

'Jeff Leach: Boyfriend Experience' is on everyday at the Gilded Balloon, at 9.30pm.