"Away from the spotlight, I cut my own fringe…"

Today Mandy Knight is well.

Her's was a childhood of abuse and social un-care, followed by an epic trip through full-blown alcoholism, drugs and relationship train-wrecks. But it wasn't all laughs…

She graduated from drama school with a diploma that qualified her perfectly for her next four years – as a waitress – is fully trained in silver service and has a Grade-One Proficiency Award in shop-lifting.

When the Judge said: "It's rehab or showbiz for you," it never occurred to Mandy that it might be both.

The little girl lost has found her rightful place – as one of the most respected stand-ups on the circuit. Her past demons are certainly still with her, but now they appear on stage, bit part players in a comedy routine that has taken her to the Ritz Carlton, to the Waldorf and to the Ibis - and back again.

In her new book, Mandy recounts her dark days, from angry little girl, through drama school wild child, to the alcoholic who lacked the courage for yet another suicide attempt, so instead wished for cancer as an acceptable way out.

Then she shares her journey home.

You won't believe where she came from, you certainly won't believe where she has been - and she can't quite believe that she lived to tell the tale.