Frank Skinner
About
Frank Skinner is an iconic British comedian, presenter, and writer known for his sharp wit, humor, and his longstanding collaboration with fellow comedian David Baddiel. With a career spanning over three decades, Skinner has made his mark through stand-up, television, radio, and music.
Early Career & Breakthrough in Comedy
Skinner’s rise began with the Channel 4 variety show Packet of Three in 1990, where his talent for stand-up comedy was soon recognized. He won the prestigious Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1991, beating out notable comedians like Jack Dee and Eddie Izzard. This win solidified his status as one of Britain’s top comedic talents.
Partnership with David Baddiel
One of Skinner’s most beloved partnerships has been with David Baddiel, his best friend and former flatmate. Together, they co-hosted the popular late-night series Fantasy Football League from 1994 to 2004 and Baddiel and Skinner Unplanned from 2000 to 2005. The duo also co-wrote and recorded the iconic football anthem Three Lions with The Lightning Seeds for Euro ’96, which became a number one hit in the UK and remains an enduring anthem for England football fans. The song hit #1 again when re-released for the 1998 World Cup.
Television and Radio Success
From 1995 to 1998, Skinner hosted his own BBC chat show, which later moved to ITV from 1999 to 2005. In 2001, he released his autobiography Frank Skinner by Frank Skinner, which became a bestseller and inspired a TV special. He also starred in sitcoms Blue Heaven (1994) and Shane (2004).
In 2009, he joined Absolute Radio as the host of the Saturday Morning Breakfast Show alongside co-hosts Emily Dean and Alun Cochrane. Skinner later took over as host of the BBC’s Room 101 in 2012, where he humorously helped guests banish their pet peeves.
Recognition and Recent Work
Skinner’s influence on British comedy has been widely acknowledged. In 2003, The Observer named him one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy. In 2007, after a decade-long hiatus from live stand-up, he launched a successful tour that included a two-week run at the Edinburgh Festival, performing at the Pleasance, the venue where he first made his name.
An accomplished ukulele player, Skinner contributed to Fairport Convention’s song Ukulele Central. In 2010, he began writing a regular column for The Times, sharing his humorous take on current events.
Legacy
With a unique voice and timeless humor, Frank Skinner remains a staple of British comedy. As the host of shows like Frank Skinner’s Opinionated and a sought-after keynote speaker, he continues to delight audiences with his witty observations and comedic brilliance.