Exeter Lives: Tony Hawks

Name: Tony Hawks (aka The Fridgeman) – TV and radio comedian and bestselling author

How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

Comedian, author, broadcaster, good egg.

How would you describe Exeter in 5 words?

Charming, modest, user-friendly city.

What brought you to Exeter?

A desire to escape the hectic and flurried nature of London life.

Where do you call home?

The edge of the moor, not far from Moretonhampstead.

What is your favourite place in Exeter?

It’s too early to say, we’ve been here less from a month. The quayside and cathedral area are lovely.

What is your favourite Exeter event?

Ask me in a year.

What was the last live performance you saw in Exeter and where did you see it?

My one man show at the Corn Exchange! Plan to support theatre at the Northcott and events at Exeter Phoenix and elsewhere.

Favourite place to eat out in or near Exeter?

The Nobody Inn (Doddiscombsleigh) and Manor Inn (Lower Ashton) are great.

Best coffee in town?

Still exploring

Favourite pub?

The Quayside area looks fun

Favourite locally produced food or drink?

Anything produced locally that is healthy and organic.

Favourite shopping area?

All the independent shops in the city.

Exeter Chiefs or Exeter City?

Exeter City

Beach or moors?

Beach

What or where is Exeter's best kept secret?

Best kept secrets should remain unpublished

What one change would you like to see in Exeter?

A big development of free tennis, with free coaching available at the public park in Heavitree. It’s under discussion with council and governing body of the sport and we hope to start a tennisforfree session soon. (www.tennisforfree.com)

18. Who is your local hero or heroine?

Penelope Moor. An ex-professional tennis player who is championing free tennis for all in Heavitree.

Do you belong to any local clubs or societies?

I’ve joined a local tennis club. Looking forward to trying to link it with the local junior school.

What are you up to next?

Settling in, and doing screenings of my film of my book Playing The Moldovans At Tennis (www.moldovansmovie.com). Profits go to my children’s care centre in Moldova. Then hope to write a new book and release a jazz album of songs I have been working on over the past 12 months.

If you think that you or someone you know would make a good subject for our Exeter Lives feature, email the editor at natalie@thedailyuk.com