Shappi Khorsandi makes the gloomiest of topics hilarious.

In 1984 Scotland Yard uncovered a plot to assassinate Shappi's

father. Terror had followed them from Iran to West London. Growing

up is hard enough without the Aytollah following you around.

In the early 80's Shappi became a refugee, long before it

became fashionable. Nevertheless, having left Tehran for London,

the family were still not safe. Assassins were sent to shoot

her father, the satirist Hadi Khorsandi, and the family went

into hiding under Scotland Yard's protection.

However, the hit squad went to the wrong address and, true

to Middle East tradition, arrived late. This incident was brushed

under the Persian carpet and despite having to check under their

car for bombs every day, the family went back to normal ­

arguments, eating disorders and love.