I have made six documentary series for BBC Two, which means people sometimes refer to me as a "television historian". I don't really think of myself that way, though. Indeed, when I left academia to become a professional writer, I genuinely never imagined that I would end up as a TV presenter, and always thought that I would hate working in TV.

Fortunately, when the opportunity unexpectedly came, I soon realised how wrong I was. There are few things more enjoyable than working hard with a really talented and enthusiastic team to bring a subject to life. If you get it right, then you can reach an audience far bigger than the readership of even the most popular history book.

I was a complete novice at first, and now I find some of my early appearances painfully inept. By and large I think I've got a bit better at it, though some viewers may disagree.

As well as writing and presenting my BBC Two series, I've appeared as a contributor on a ridiculously large number of documentaries, including numerous programmes for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5. I used to keep a list, but I lost track and gave up a few years ago.

I have also appeared on radio, which is probably where more sensitive viewers think I belong. I've been a guest on lots of different shows, from Quote, Unquote to Great Lives, and have also been a regular critic on Saturday Review. I have also made several documentaries for Radio 4's Archive Hour slot.

Perhaps my most notable radio work was a 15-part history of the Post Office, which I made with Joby Waldman of Somethin' Else. It ran over three weeks and was released as an audiobook.

I also have a podcast, The Rest is History.