What attracted you to The Late Session?

I just thought it the idea was brilliant. It’s a dinner party, not a TV show. It doesn’t really have any rules. No one’s in control. Anyone could say or do anything. I found the potential in it really exciting because it could go anywhere and explore areas that often can’t be explored within the confines of television.

A lot of people think dinner parties are a lost 1970s art - are you hoping for a revival?

I’d say they’re well and truly revived - except perhaps without the bow ties. I seem to spend quite a bit of time at them, for some reason.

These conversations drew together a group of strangers in most cases - like a six-way blind-date. Were you worried about the chemistry working?

Yes, initially. But once I started thinking about the guests and the connections and disconnections between them that became less of a concern. About 15 minutes into the first show I had pretty much concluded that insufficient chemistry wasn’t going to be a problem. Ultimately, there are always five interesting people joining me who have plenty to say. If anything, the danger was there might be too much chemistry!

What is the key to hosting a successful dinner party?

Abba Gold on the stereo and a Vienetta in the freezer. Unless I’m not catering and have a television network at my disposal, in which case I find that some exquisite Vietnamese food and a baby grand piano does the trick ... especially when combined with a collection of talented conversationalists.

What kind of host are you?

I’d say an informal one. If people are relaxed, I’m generally pretty happy. Really, people have the best time when they can just be themselves.

What makes for an engaging conversation?

I think it’s about being surprised, and being asked to think about or consider something new. I always find myself most engaged when I hear a story or come across some idea I’d never even imagined. Of course, it’s also great when you discover someone else who thinks about something the way you do. Maybe that’s the good thing about having five guests on a show like this. You’re probably guaranteed to get both.

Have we lost the art of conversation in this age of mediated, virtual communication?

I certainly worry about this. I’m not really into social media so much, but my wife and most of my friends are. They’re constantly assuring me that’s not the case. There’s definitely a skill to having a virtual conversation – which I probably don’t have – but they’re different to in-person conversation skills. For me, nothing can really replace a good conversation face to face. Sometimes you settle for less ... but not if you can get Jack Thompson to drop by.

How did music add a dimension to The Late Session?

Well, I’m right into music, so of course I loved it. Certainly, I had fun with it. But I’d have to say it always created a great feeling in the room. It helps to break things up, introduce a mood or just rock out completely inappropriately!

From sport and politics to comedy and music, you have dabbled in various genres over the course of your career. What is your motivation for this?

To be honest, it’s not so much motivated as organic. I’m just interested in these things. So if I get a chance to pursue them, I’ll take it with glee. None of it is planned, really. Sometimes we tend to categorise people’s interests unnecessarily. Most people I know have lots of interests, so there’s every reason to express that if you get the opportunity.