Even though Elis James studied modern history and politics, it was comedy that he was interested in. He began his comedy career in 2005, transitioning to full-time comedy in 2008.

Before making it on his own, Elis supported Rhod Gilbert on his 2010 UK tour ‘Rhod Gilbert and the Award-Winning Mince Pie’, where he would perform in front of audiences of thousands. Alongside fellow comedian Chris Corcoran, Elis has appeared at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, once picking up the Guardian ‘Pick of the Fringe’ accolade.

MEDIA

On top of his comedy credits, Elis has appeared on a range of television programmes, as guest or contestant, including Mock the Week (2016), Richard Osman’s House of Games (2018), The Premier League Show (2016-18), Celebrity Mastermind (2018), Sunday Brunch (2018-21), Pointless Celebrities (2020-22), The One Show (2023), and Stori’r laith (2023).

He has hosted shows such as Why Does Everyone Hate the English (2018), Football Focus (2016-23), and Fantasy Football League (2022-24), and has narrated The Secret Life of Farm Animals (2018), Teen Taxi (2019), Nightshifters (2019), and Clean It, Fix It (2021).

In 2014, Elis started broadcasting the Elis James and John Robins show on Radio X which then moved to BBC 5 Live in 2019; he has hosted Elis James’s Pantheon of Heroes on BBC Radio Wales; and he wrote and starred in the BBC Radio Wales sketch show Here Be Dragons. As well as presenting in English, Elis also presents in Welsh, particularly Dwy laith, Un Ymennydd for BBC Radio Cymru.

If that wasn’t enough, Elis has acted in a number of television shows and shorts, including Sarah Chong is Going to Kill Herself (2016), Josh (2015-17), Be Lucky (2017), NeckFace (2018), Tourist Trap (2018-19), and Curious Under the Stars (2015-20).

PODCASTS

Elis is a prominent and popular podcast host, and has presented a range of successful shows:

– The Socially Distant Sports Bar: Co-hosted with sports journalist Steff Garrero and comedian Mike Bubblins, this is based on their love of sport during the COVID pandemic.

– Elis James’ Feast of Football: Alongside former Welsh international footballers Iwan Roberts and Danny Gabbidon, they discuss the fortunes of the Welsh national team.

– Elis appears occasionally on The Guardian’s Football Weekly podcast.

– Elis James and John Robins

– How Do You Cope? With Elis and John

– Oh What a Time…

– Everything to Play For

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Elis’ experience in the comedy and media world, has seen him win a number of awards and accolades:

– Best Comedy Prize at the National Student Radio Awards 2006

– Chortle’s Best Radio Show Award 2017

– Audio and Radio Industry Gold Award 2020

– Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Podcast 2021

– Radio Times Moment of the Year 2024

– Bronze Sony Award

– Nominated for a Celtic Media Award

– Nominated for a Radio Academy Award

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book Welsh comedian Elis James for your next live event.

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