Read more: Banished Celebrity Traitors star 'unveiled' as star points out huge mistake
Alan was born in June 1976 in Weymouth, Dorset, to parents Christine and Graham. He spent most of his childhood in Northampton and has a younger brother named Gary.
His father Graham is a former manager of Northampton Town and chief scout for Newcastle United. Over the years, Alan has been candid about his relationship with his father, a former footballer, including in the TV series Changing Ends.
In his early twenties, Alan graduated from Middlesex University with a degree in drama and theatre studies, before moving to Manchester to pursue a career in comedy.
He worked in a call centre for five years, dedicating his free time to his comedy career. Eventually, he managed to turn comedy into a full-time profession.