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Rhod Gilbert

A former market researcher, Carmarthen-born Rhod Gilbert began his comedy career in 2002, after taking a stand-up course. That year he made the finals of the So You Think You're Funny? talent hunt at the Edinburgh Fringe, and in the next 12 months won the BBC New Comedy Award, the Paramount Gift Of The Gag competition and the Leicester Comedy Festival comedian of the year title. He was also a Chortle Award nominee for best new act, and runner-up n the Hackney Empire New Act Of The Year contest.

He made his solo Edinburgh debut in 2005 with a show called 1984, describing the misery of growing up in the fictional Welsh town of Llanbobl, whihc was nominated for the Perrier best newcomer award. That year, he also won the Chortle award for best breakthrough act.

His 2008 Edinburgh show again caught the attention of judges and was nominated for the main if.comedy award. It lead to appearances on BBC One's Live at the Apollo stand-up showcase and the 80th Royal Variety Performance.

Gilbert has also appeared on Mock The Week, and he hosts a Saturday-morning show on BBC Radio Wales. In late 2008, he fronted a series of adverts to promote Welsh tourism.

Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains gets a sixth series

Comedy Central's new order includes festive specials

Comedy Central has ordered a sixth series of Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains.

Eight hour-long episodes will be filmed in the autumn for release later in 2024, with famous faces again sharing stories from their youth to see who had the most traumatic teenage years.

For the first time, the series will also feature two festive specials for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Gilbert said: ‘I can’t wait to drag more famous faces back to their teens, slice open their adolescent mattresses, rifle through their embarrassing school photos, show the world their excruciating teenage diaries and generally tip their former lives upside down until the shame falls out.’

Network executive Luke Hales, who commissioned the show added: 'We are delighted that Rhod Gilbert will be returning to Comedy Central to delve into even more celebrities’ toe-curling teenage revelations.’

Programme-makers Rumpus Media are also offering trainee places to work on the programme with people from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds encouraged to apply. To receive an application form, email apply@rumpusmedia.co.uk and return it by 5pm on Friday May 17.

Season five is currently airing on Comedy Central on Mondays at 9pm. Here's a clip:

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Published: 8 May 2024