Deborah Lee Duffield, who performs under the name Debra Stephenson, is an English actress, comedian, impressionist and singer. She is most celebrated for playing Diane Powell in *Playing the Field* (1999–2000), Shell Dockley in *Bad Girls*, and Frankie Baldwin on *Coronation Street* (2004–2006).
Dimitar Ivanov – Kapitanа is a Bulgarian ventriloquist, stand-up comedian, actor and playwright. He was born on June 22, 1985 in Dimitrovgrad. In 2008 he graduated from NATFIZ "Kraste Sarafov" with a degree in “Puppet Theatre Acting”. In 2011 he won the award for main male role at the International Puppet Theater Festival „Pierrot“ for his authorial performance „Tales From The Barrel“, and since 2012 has been part of the troupe of Sofia National Puppet Theatre. In 2019, he participated in the casting for "Slavi's Show" with a sketch featuring the puppet Bay Tanio, which marked the beginning of his professional development as a ventriloquist. After specialized training abroad, Kapitanа and Bay Tanyo began touring with their first joint stand-up show „It Was 100% Me“, visited by 20 Bulgarian cities. In 2020 he presented his second show "Model Home", which went on national tour in 24 cities and introduced the new character Isteria Petrova. Kapitanа has established himself as a popular name in Bulgarian stand-up comedy, with much of his popularity also coming from social networks. In 2021 he participated in the first National Stand-Up Comedy Awards "Golden Microphone", where he won the audience award and received recognition in the other two categories – guild’s and jury's.
Iain Lee, born Iain Felix Diamond Lee (formerly Iain Lee Rougvie) on June 9, 1973, is an English comedian and broadcaster with Scottish roots. He entered the world in Slough and experienced a childhood shaped by family circumstances; his father worked at the BBC's props department while his mother was a secretary before developing multiple sclerosis, and his parents divorced when he was young. Growing up on a council estate, Iain Lee faced bullying, experiences that likely inform his comedic perspective. He attended Herschel Grammar School and later studied performing arts at Middlesex University, laying the groundwork for a career in entertainment. Lee began his stand-up comedy journey in the 1990s, quickly gaining recognition within the industry. His early television work includes co-hosting The 11 O'Clock Show on Channel 4 from 1998 to 2000 alongside Mackenzie Crook and Daisy Donovan, and presenting the spin-off show Bit on the Psych for Channel 5. He also contributed to RI:SE in 2003 and presented shows for XFM, LBC 97.3, Absolute Radio, BBC Three Counties Radio, BBC Radio WM, and talkRADIO. From 2008 to 2011, he hosted The Sunday Night Show on Virgin Radio/Absolute Radio, and from 2012 to 2015, presented the weekday breakfast show on BBC Three Counties Radio, also taking on a Saturday morning slot on BBC Radio WM from December 2013, and a Friday afternoon slot from September 2014. His work on BBC Three Counties Radio earned him a Radio Academy Award in 2014. Since 2016, Iain Lee has hosted The Late Night Alternative on talkRADIO, a show which has itself received recognition with an award. Following his departure from talkRADIO in July 2020, he launched Twitch and Patreon shows. He is also known for his engaging radio segments, often featuring interactions with listeners from his LBC/Absolute/talkRadio shows, now continuing through his free weekly podcast, Iain Lee and Katherine Boyle and Too Many Cats , co-hosted with Katherine Boyle. In 2017, at the age of 44, he was expected to appear on I'm A Celebrity...
A writer‑performer active on stage and television, a published poet and journalist, Iestyn Edwards is chiefly known for his creation Madame Galina, the Prima Ballerina, who has lately entertained soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
James Allan Short, OBE and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Medicine and Design, performed under the name Jimmy Logan and made his mark in Scotland as an entertainer, theatre producer, impresario and director.
Michael Richard Locke, who goes by the nickname Pancho, hails from Wales and works as a professional stunt performer and skateboarder. He gained fame through the MTV UK series Dirty Sanchez.
Richard Digance is an English comedian and folk singer born on February 24, 1949, in Plaistow, east London. His family later relocated to East Ham. During his education, he went to Vicarage Lane Primary School and Thomas Lethaby Secondary Modern, where he earned two A-Level qualifications: one in English Literature and another in Modern British History. Initially studying mechanical engineering in Glasgow, Digance was inspired by comedian Billy Connolly during this time. Before focusing on comedy, he was a member of the British folk band Pisces, which released an album in 1971. Digance’s career took off in the 1970s, encompassing both musical and comedic elements. He toured the United States and supported prominent acts like Steve Martin, Jethro Tull, Steeleye Span, Tom Jones, Elkie Brooks, Supertramp, and Joan Armatrading on tours in Britain and the USA. From 1974 to 1978, Doug Morter accompanied him on vocals and guitar. His television career began in the early 1970s with ‘Sound of The City’ and continued through appearances on 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' and the 'Today programme'. He also contributed songs to the BBC Radio 2 show 'Stop The World' from 1979 to 1983, and hosted his own radio show, 'Richard Digance And Friends', on Capital Radio during the same period. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Digance’s television presence was significant, including a 1985 television special, 'A Dabble With Digance', and numerous Saturday night specials for ITV. He was nominated for a BAFTA in the category of ‘TV Entertainer Of The Year,’ and his television appearances included programs like 'Surprise Surprise' and 'Live From The Palladium,' featuring performances with Robin Williams and Roy Orbison. His career spanned 17 years on television, including a seven-year run with the BBC Radio show 'A Digence Indulgence' until 1987. He is frequently seen on Channel 4’s ‘Countdown’, having made 194 appearances. The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors presented him with a Gold Award in 2003, followed by a second Gold Award recognizing his contributions to comedy writing. Currently residing near Salisbury, Wiltshire, he curtailed extensive touring after 60 years in 2021 because of travel challenges but maintains an active career through concert performances, film and television soundtrack composition, smaller concerts known as ‘Cheese, Wine & Song,’ and instruction in fingerstyle guitar. He is currently working on a new book and is considered brilliant by Bill Bryson and regarded as a National Treasure by Bob Harris.
Rob Hoey pursues a career as a musician, actor, writer and comedian, gaining the most recognition as the lead vocalist of his present group Limb and as the guitarist who established the band Multi Purpose Chemical.
Robin Ince was born on February 20, 1969, and is an English comedian, actor, and writer. Prior to his university studies, he received his early education at York House prep school and Cheltenham College. Subsequently, he pursued degrees in English and Drama at Royal Holloway, University of London, completing his studies in 1991. Early in his career, he performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1990 and appeared in a play called 'Shadow Walker' at Greyfriars Kirkhouse. Ince’s comedy journey continued with appearances alongside Stephen Merchant, Jimmy Carr, and Ricky Gervais in the 2001 Edinburgh Fringe show 'Rubbernecker'. He subsequently opened for Ricky Gervais on his Politics tour in 2004 and Fame tour in 2007. His work expanded to include writing for The 11 O’Clock Show, where he performed impressions, including that of John Peel. A brief acting role as Stuart Foot appeared in The Office. In 2006, he received the Time Out Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy. During the period from January through April 2009, he participated in a tour with 'Bleeding Heart Liberal.' Furthermore, he toured with 'Robin Ince vs. the Moral Majority' spanning late 2009 and extending into 2010. Ince’s work demonstrates considerable range, including stage productions such as 'Happiness Through Science' (presented between 2011 and 2012), and a live stand-up DVD, 'Robin Ince is as Dumb as You,' which was made available in late 2008. Beginning in 2005, he managed the Book Club at The Albany in London. Additionally, he released 'Robin Ince's Bad Book Club' in 2010. From 2008 onwards, he has been responsible for organizing 'Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People,' a program that was subsequently rebranded as 'Nine Lessons and Carols for Curious People,' and which has seen adaptations internationally. He co-authored 'The Infinite Monkey Cage – How to Build a Universe' with Brian Cox and Alexandra Feachem. From 2009 to December 2025, he co-presented The Infinite Monkey Cage on Radio 4 with Brian Cox, a show that won a Gold Award at the 2011 Sony Radio Awards. He resigned from the program in December 2025 citing pressure to censor his views. He has written four acclaimed books including 'Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal', 'I'm a Joke and So Are You', 'The Importance of Being Interested', and 'Bibliomaniac,' with 'Bibliomaniac' earning him the Booksellers Association Author of the Year award. His fifth book, 'Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal,' explores anxiety, ADHD, and neurodiversity and will be published in May 2025. He is currently involved in a project called 'Helen Sharman: Space for the Future' with appearances scheduled throughout April. He is also involved in the documentary series 'Bibliomaniac' and 'Curious People', and hosts the panel show and podcast 'They’ve Made Us’ with Helen Czerski.
Roger De Courcey, a British ventriloquist and artists' agent, is most renowned for his routine with Nookie Bear. In 1976 he secured the grand‑final win on the televised talent competition New Faces.
A British comedian, television personality, and writer, Rory McGrath was born on March 17, 1956. He spent his formative years in Redruth, Cornwall, England, attending Redruth Grammar School before progressing to Emmanuel College, Cambridge. While studying modern languages, he obtained a lower second class degree and participated in the Footlights, an organization where he encountered Jimmy Mulville. This early collaboration proved pivotal in shaping his future career. McGrath's comedy journey began with writing for radio programs in the 1980s. He and Mulville penned scripts for BBC radio shows hosted by Frankie Howerd and Windsor Davies, and contributed to 'Black Cinderella Two Goes East' for BBC Radio 2 in 1978. Their writing partnership continued as they worked on popular television shows like 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' and 'Alas Smith and Jones,' and were part of the team behind BBC Radio 4’s ‘Injury Time’ from 1980 to 1982. He also co-wrote and performed in 'Glompus Van De Hloed's Tales From The Crypt' in 1981, demonstrating both his writing and performing abilities. In 1986, he co-founded Hat Trick Productions with Mulville and Denise O'Donoghue. Throughout his career, McGrath has appeared in a diverse range of television programs. He starred in the sitcom 'Chelmsford 123' in 1988 and 1990, hosted the game show 'Trivial Pursuit' in 1990, and became a regular panelist on 'They Think It's All Over' from 1995 to 2006, appearing in every episode of its 18 series. He has also presented shows like 'Rory's Commercial Breakdown' (1997), 'Industrial Revelations: Best of British Engineering' (2008), and ‘Pub Dig for History’ (2011). Beyond his work in comedy, McGrath’s diverse pursuits are demonstrated by his participation in the ITV reality program 'Sugar Free Farm' in 2016, and through his book 'Bearded Tit – Confessions of a Birdwatcher,' published in 2008. He has hosted numerous travel and factual programs, including 'Three Men in a Boat' from 2006 to 2011. Currently, McGrath is fundraising for the Breathlessness charity campaign.
Russell Kane, born Russell David Anthony Grineau on August 19, 1975, is an English comedian, actor, and writer. He originates from Enfield, North London, but was raised in Essex. His upbringing reflects a diverse background, as his father is white British and his mother is black Jamaican. Early influences on his comedic style included Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy. Kane studied English at Middlesex University, earning a degree in Media Writing. Kane began his career performing stand-up shows, debuting in 2005 with a performance described as a 'cultural earthquake.' He quickly gained recognition, winning the Laughing Horse New Act of the Year award in 2004 and being a runner-up in the So You Think You're Funny competition that same year. In 2006, Kane received a Best Newcomer Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination for his first comedy show, 'The Theory of Pretension,' which was performed at the Edinburgh Fringe. Known for his provocative comedy that confronts sensitive issues such as race, religion, and sexuality, Kane’s work has sometimes sparked controversy and legal challenges, including disputes with the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Throughout his career, Russell Kane has achieved significant success and recognition. In 2010, he won the Edinburgh Comedy Awards for Best Comedy Show and received the Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Barry Award, becoming the first comedian to win both awards in the same year. He has presented several television and radio programs, including Big Brother's Big Mouth (June 2007) and BBC Radio 2’s Out to Lunch (starting 2008). He frequently appears on Channel 4, BBC, and ITV shows like Live at the Apollo, Graham Norton, and Jonathan Ross. Kane has also written and published a novel, The Humorist, in 2012, and has toured extensively with three original stage plays, one of which was performed at the Royal Shakespeare Company. His 'HyperActive' tour spanned two years across seven countries. The BBC Radio 4 podcast ‘Evil Genius,’ hosted by Kane, achieved significant popularity, becoming the top original podcast on BBC Sounds and subsequently being adapted into a Sky TV series produced by BBC Studios. Alongside hosting 'Evil Animals,' a nature series on BBC Sounds, Kane has also co-presented a Channel 4 documentary focusing on men’s health and body image. Kane will soon portray Romeo in a touring production of Romeo and Juliet at the New Vic Theatre. A "Christmas Comedy Crackers" show is scheduled for Southend-On-Sea on December 1, 2026, Bristol on December 13, 2026, and Cheltenham on December 17, 2026.
Albania
1
Armenia
1
Argentina
24
Austria
28
Australia
22
Azerbaijan
1
Belgium
13
Bulgaria
31
Benin
2
Bolivia
1
Brazil
12
Canada
48
Switzerland
17
Chile
8
Cameroon
1
China
7
Colombia
2
Czech Republic
7
Germany
188
Denmark
17
Dominican Republic
1
Algeria
2
Estonia
5
Egypt
4
Spain
74
Finland
15
France
214
United Kingdom
325
Ghana
3
Greece
18
Guatemala
1
Hungary
7
Indonesia
8
Ireland
28
Israel
9
India
11
Iraq
3
Iran
6
Italy
136
Jamaica
1
Japan
35
Kenya
3
Korea, South
20
Kazakhstan
1
Lebanon
5
Lithuania
1
Latvia
1
Morocco
17
Myanmar
1
Malta
1
Malawi
2
Mexico
28
Malaysia
7
Nigeria
19
Nicaragua
2
Netherlands
2
Norway
12
Nepal
3
New Zealand
9
Peru
2
Philippines
35
Pakistan
7
Poland
8
Portugal
7
Qatar
1
Romania
1
Serbia
3
Russia
9
Saudi Arabia
4
Sweden
101
Slovenia
4
Slovakia
2
Thailand
2
Tunisia
4
Turkey
5
Taiwan
1
Ukraine
7
Uganda
7
United States
213
Uruguay
1
Uzbekistan
1
Vietnam
1
South Africa
2
