The UK comedy scene is more crowded than ever, thanks to blockbuster series like Last One Laughing. Yet, for every brilliant comic filling stadium tours, there’s another that makes you wonder how they ever landed an agent. Taste is personal, but for deputy showbiz editor Rebecca Jones, these seven mainstream UK comedians miss the mark completely.
7. Harriet Kemsley
First introduced to English comedian Harriet Kemsley on the first series of Last One Laughing, Jones says she didn't crack a smile once during the entire series. Competing against comedy heavyweights like Bob Mortimer and Richard Ayoade, Kemsley came across as vulgar and immature. Her weird energy feels forced, and Jones imagines her stand-up show would leave her feeling extremely uncomfortable.
6. Jimmy Carr
Jimmy Carr’s laugh has got to be fake, according to Jones. She doesn’t get the fascination and adoration this comedian inspires worldwide. While he’s undoubtedly intelligent and interesting, his jokes are too controversial and outdated, frequently targeting taboo and marginalized groups. Jones states, "Call me old-fashioned or a snowflake, but I don’t think it's acceptable to joke about the Holocaust."
5. James Acaster
Aggressively asking podcast guests on Off Menu whether they want ear poppadoms or bread must be the most annoying thing on Spotify, single-handedly, says Jones. Some people adore James, but Jones doesn’t understand why. She finds him too juvenile and says he seems to try anything to get a laugh. "Why any grown man would professionally act like a child is beyond me," she adds.
4. Sue Perkins
The US gave us Joan Rivers and Rita Rudner, but the best the UK can do is Sue Perkins, according to Jones. The 56-year-old has been on screens for three decades, but it’s hard to comprehend why. She is likeable enough, but within that time she’s notched up a flop sitcom (Heading Out), a flop Saturday night game show (Don’t Scare The Hare), and the doomed breakfast show (RI:SE). None of these faux pas has ended her television career.
