His autobiography explains that his mother was an Irish gypsy and recounts "hilarious tales of ... hop-picking with his Gypsy relatives in Kent". This from his official website: "He has also become patron of the Gypsy Council which aims to improve conditions for Gypsies and Travellers in Britain. He narrated and appeared in a video of Gypsy life and traditions early in 1999 - this is to be sold to aid their cause."