Elis James

Elis James is a Welsh comedian, writer, and broadcaster, widely recognised for his sharp observational humour and charismatic presence across stage, radio, and podcasting. Born in Swansea in 1980, he began performing stand-up in the early 2000s and quickly gained acclaim for his relatable storytelling, wit, and distinctive voice.

Elis has achieved notable success in stand-up comedy, performing multiple solo shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, including Fistful of Elias and This Guy, both of which received critical praise for blending personal anecdotes with clever social commentary.

He has also appeared on television programmes such as Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, establishing himself as a familiar face on British comedy screens.

Alongside comedian John Robins, Elis co-hosts the hugely popular Elis James and John Robins Podcast, which blends comedy, interviews, and topical discussion. Their partnership also extends to radio, having co-presented shows on BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio X, where their engaging banter and chemistry have attracted a dedicated following.

Elis is celebrated not only for his humour but also for his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, often drawing on Welsh culture and identity in his work. He remains one of the UK’s most respected contemporary comedians, admired for his warmth, versatility, and incisive comedic voice.

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More About Elis James

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.

Elis James | Early Career

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.

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Elis James | Media

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

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

Elis James | 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

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