2024 Awards Host Jo Brand

The BAFTA-winning star of Getting On and Through The Cakehole has been hailed by The Mirror as ‘the best female comic in Britain.’ (She’s also been described as a ‘hideous old boiler’ by The Sun.) Despite several acting roles, she is still best known for stand-up.

Soon after leaving her job as a psychiatric nurse in the 80s, Jo’s profile began to grow. Her deadpan style attracted many an accolade - including Best Club Act at the British Comedy Awards. As one of the most distinctive figures in comedy and a leading light of the alternative comedy scene, Jo has since appeared on everything from QI to Countdown.

Her many other television appearances include Have I Got News For You (frequently hosting and guesting), This Week, Just For Laughs, and Comic Relief . On the radio Jo has graced everything from The Mary Whitehouse Experience to Just A Minute and Steve Wright in the Afternoon.

In addition to comedy, Jo has played the Sergeant of Police in The Pirates of Penzance, given an organ recital in the Royal Albert Hall, and has written a number of novels and two volumes of autobiography.