The amateur historian and presenter discusses which law she would abolish, her search for the meaning of life, and how she had to write her latest book herself

You will know Philomena Cunk (who bears a striking resemblance to comedian Diane Morgan) from her talking head on Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe, and her own BBC shows, Cunk on Britain and Cunk on Earth. If there is anything to be learned about the world, Cunk will be on hand to ask the questions that others may not dare to ask (“Why do we cry when it’s the onions that get hurt?”; “Which was most culturally significant? The Renaissance or Single Ladies by Beyoncé?”). Now she’s back with a new BBC show, Cunk on Life, and a new book, The World According to Cunk: An Illustrated History of All World Events Ever, Space Permitting. We caught up with the amateur historian and presenter turned author to chat ghosts, politics and Monster Munch …

Hi Philomena! You’ve written a new book – The World According to Cunk. What’s the most difficult thing about writing a book?
Probably all of it. Because you don’t just have to start – you have to finish. And, worst of all, between those two, you have to keep going. This is the second time I’ve done it, and I nearly went on holiday in the middle of it this time. It’s that bad.