Five days after winning her BBC New Comedy Award heat

Comedian Marie Goulbourne has died unexpectedly at the age of 46 – five days after winning her heat of the BBC New Comedy Award.

A statement on her website said: ‘We are heartbroken to share the tragic news that Marie has passed away. Her star was not only bright, but quickly rising. She brought joy and laughter to so many. We offer our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and fans.’

The Wigan-based comic started stand-up in her 20s but quit to concentrate on a legal career. However she returned to the North West comedy scene in 2021.

Her sister Jacqueline wrote on Facebook yesterday that her death was sudden and unexpected. 

She wrote: ‘Those that know us know that she was my best friend and the person I was closest to. While there is no solace in what has happened, I am keeping in mind that she had a wonderful week before she passed. 

‘She won a comedy competition with family and friends cheering her on in the audience, she spent a day in the country with her dearest friends, and we spent a fun evening where she cooked a special meal and we watched one of the daft Chinese dramas I got her hooked on. I am in our house, looking after her beloved cats who miss her also.

‘Thank you for all the kind messages from her many, many friends. They are appreciated.’ 

Comedians joined in with the tributes online.

Dawn Bailey said: ‘I can’t process that we will no longer have the mad conversations or swap gig stories… Absolutely gutted she made me laugh so much.  Beautiful soul and wonderful friend.’

Kimberley Maberly said: ‘The world and the comedy circuit has suffered a terrible loss and she will not be forgotten. She was a true talent and a genuine person.’

And the account of Blizzard Comedy posted: ‘Her delightfully blunt and deadpan delivery was second to none in the genre, and it is a bittersweet irony that in just the last few months of her life she was going from strength to strength, most recently winning a BBC competition, and running up at her heat of the Beat the Frog world series against a phenomenally strong line-up…. This is a huge loss for the comedy circuit, and of course all of her close friends and family… 

‘Beyond her brilliant comedy, Marie has a legacy of being one of the most genuine and kind-hearted people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet, I know countless comedians have lovely stories about times she’s looked out for them and helped them out purely out of the goodness of her heart and genuine care for the people she worked with.’ 

Goulbourne’s heat of the BBC New Comedy took place in Lancaster on October 5 and is scheduled to air on BBC Three on November 6.

She died on October 10.  The funeral has not yet been arranged  and there is also plans for a  memorial event. Meanwhile, those with photographs are invited to share them with her family via her website.

Published: 22 Oct 2024