They are four of the biggest names on the British comedy scene.
And now Rob Beckett has told how ‘surreal’ it felt taking part in the new series of Celebrity Traitors alongside Romesh Ranganathan, 48, Joe Lycett, 38, and James Acaster, 41, all of whom were playing gigs to just ‘eight people’ in pubs 20 years ago.
The comedian, 40, said that despite being ‘good friends’ with the other comics, none of them would have any issue with betraying each other on the murder-mystery game, which starts on Thursday.
Reflecting on the surreal experience of appearing alongside friends he has known for years, Beckett said: ‘I think I'll just find the whole scenario hilarious because it's just so surreal to be around that group of people, and to be with a few people I know.
‘Romesh, obviously everyone knows we’re such good friends, but Joe Lycett and James Acaster, I did gigs with them nearly 20 years ago, in pubs in Soho in front of eight people, and now all of a sudden we're in this situation.’
For Beckett, seeing how far their careers have come makes the experience particularly special.
Rob Beckett says how ‘surreal’ it felt taking part in the new series of Celebrity Traitors alongside his comedy friends, but that it won’t stop him from stabbing them in the back
Beckett is set to appear on the show with Romesh Ranganathan, 48, (pictured)
He will also appear with Joe Lycett, 38, (left) and James Acaster, 41, (right) all of whom were playing gigs to just ‘eight people’ in pubs 20 years ago
‘So, it's quite a reflective moment to consider this journey we’ve all gone on to now be on the biggest show on TV,’ he continued.
‘Everyone wants to be on it, and we're very lucky to be here and to be here with friends and people that I've come through the ranks with and been able to confide in over the years.
'It's quite nice to see all of us here as grown-ups.’
However, any sentimentality is unlikely to stop Beckett from playing the game.
Asked whether he would betray his friends if it was part of the game, he gave a straightforward answer: ‘Oh yes, if it’s part of the game.
‘And I’d expect vice versa,’ Beckett added. ‘If I get done, I get done.’
And it seems Ranganathan is already suspicious of pal Beckett.
'Well, it's weird, isn't it? Because Rob is one of my best friends, and we've worked together for a decade now, but I still won't be able to trust it,' he said last week.
'I mean, he's just as easily going to be on my side as he is going to twist the knife in my back given the opportunity. I mean, it's completely unpredictable.'
Despite admitting he would be competitive, Beckett appears determined not to take the twists and betrayals too seriously.
‘I'll be competitive, but if I get murdered or banished or whatever the situation is, of course I’ll be disappointed for a minute,’ he said.
‘And then I'll think, do you know what? I'm going home, and I’ve got a couple of weeks off!’
Beckett said that despite being ‘good friends’ with the other comics, none of them would have any issue with betraying each other on the murder-mystery game, which starts on Thursday