Do you ever worry about the trend for your type of comedy changing?

I try not to think about it even though I assume every month will be the end and I won’t be popular in six months. I’m just excited if I remain in work. The fact is popularity doesn’t last in this business. You just don’t know what’s going to happen and after this series that might be it.

Has Call The Midwife whetted your appetite for more serious acting?

Yes, definitely. I loved it and was thrilled how well it was received. I haven’t had the phone off the hook yet, sadly. But I suppose there’s less drama being made.

What about personally? What sort of things make you laugh?

The thing that makes me laugh most in life are animals, if I’m honest. My dog, Peggy, ate a wasabi pea by mistake the other day, and it was the funniest thing I’d seen in my life. I nearly gave her another one. And I always laugh with David Walliams. He has a sort of silliness where he can find the comedy in anything.

He always looks like he’s on the edge of laughter.

Yes, Julia does too. She’s always on the verge of a corpse. And that’s a good sign because it means you feel funny when you’re doing it and that comes across on screen.

Do you ever feel that way?

We have a live audience, so we have to be more precise, and we rehearse within an inch of our lives. We’ve only got two takes to do it. Occasionally, someone will do something ‘in the moment’. Patricia Hodge [Penny] is our corpser. There are takes where you can see her about to go, and we’ve just got her. I love that look on someone. As a comedian, you’re constantly worried it’s not funny, or that this could be the career-ending episode. You’re always relieved that you find a little moment of laughter.

Is there any comedy you don’t like?

Yes, lots. I think people in this country are incredibly passionate about their comedy so they get really angry about comedies they don’t like. So when comedy is successful you can get a lot of hate for it. I accept that about my show because I have the same reaction to other shows myself.

What about American shows? Can you watch them less critically?

Yes. I love them because you feel so far removed. They feel so exciting and massive. I’ve never worked in LA but I think it’s a romantic, amazing place.

Is working there an option? They seem to love the BBC in America…

The show hasn’t been on BBC America. I don’t know quite why. I’d like it to be. I’d love to experience LA. A small part in a film. That would be amazing. I love the idea of living in America, work aside. I like the idea of having a ranch. Because that’s what Julia Roberts does. I don’t know anything about ranching. Is ranching a verb? I love the thought of Colorado; skiing in winter, beautiful hikes in summer.

Would you dress appropriately… in cowboy boots?

No. I’d dress like Scarlett O’Hara. Isn’t that what they all wear?

Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart is out 11 October (£20, Hodder & Stoughton)

The return of Miranda Hart