Cambridge alumnus and successful comic actor Stephen Mangan has recently disclosed that the hallowed comic institution the Cambridge Footlights were so “unwelcoming” during his time at university that he never joined.

In a recent interview, the former Gonville and Caius student said: “It was so cliquey and they were so unwelcoming that I just decided not to bother”

The now legendary Footlights lay claim to such revered alumni as Stephen Fry, Peter Cook and John Cleese.

Despite this, Mangan has achieved great success in his career having starred in such acclaimed shows such as Episodes and the BAFTA award winning Green Wing.

The 39 year old also admitted that he had his sights set more on becoming the next Ian McKellen than Peter Cook during his time at university,  going on to say that he believed himself to be the next “great classical actor”.

Mangan also retains some fonder memories of his time at Cambridge, speaking warmly about his “wondrous three years cocooned in this very privileged environment in a beautiful city”.

He added, “Whenever I go back to Cambridge now, I feel this terrible sense of loss for my youth, and feel bitter and vengeful.

“The city is rather fickle. She doesn’t seem to care that we’ve moved on but welcomes whoever’s there now.”