Dong revolves around 'comedy's worst dudes'

Sophie Duker has written her first novel about the ‘the dark realities of entertainment and TV. 

The book, entitled Dong, will revolve around a 24-year-old TV researcher called Ellie who is befriended by an older, white male comedian who becomes a mentor. But, ‘years later, when a scandal breaks, Ellie must ask herself how complicit she was in what happened…’

Duker told trade website The Bookseller she was ‘literally high off the news’ of her deal with The Borough Press, which will publish the novel in spring 2027.

Before getting into comedy, Duker worked offscreen in television production. The former Taskmaster champion said: ’It feels both ludicrous and lovely that the awkward black girl who hid in the toilets with her books at break time is finally delivering her debut novel. 

‘Despite having worked for and alongside some genuine legends, I know first-hand how delicious and dangerous working in the entertainment industry can be, what comedy’s worst dudes are drawn to, and the kind of dynamics that develop behind closed doors.

‘Showbiz can be horrifying and hilarious, often in the exact same moment, and especially for vulnerable and marginalised young people. 

‘Dong might be my way of rendering dark realities in the Wild West of entertainment and TV production (without getting sued), but I’m sure its core characters and conflicts will resonate with everyone.’

Just last month, Julia Raeside’s Don't Make Me Laugh was published, which also explored the toxic behaviour of a male comedian. (Review)

The Borough Press editor-at-large Suzie Dooré said: ‘Dong is hilarious, obviously, but it’s also a very important and timely book about complicity, accountability, misogyny and where to hide when you need a big ugly cry at work.’

Duker’s – who was nominated for best newcomer at the 2019  Edinburgh Fringe – has been touring her latest stand-up show, But Daddy I Love Her, with two more dates to go at Bath Komedia on May 8 and the Bloomsbury Theatre in London the following night. 

Published: 11 Mar 2025