Sophie Willan is a renowned British stand-up comedian, actress, and writer, born in Bolton in 1987 to a heroin-addicted mother. Her early life was marked by difficulties, and she spent time in care, a challenging experience that would later shape her perspective and inform her work.
As a young adult, Sophie pursued a career in sex work, which is candidly explored in her one-woman stand-up show, Branded. This show showcases her unflinching honesty and willingness to confront sensitive topics head-on.
Sophie's exceptional talent and dedication have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Caroline Aherne Bursary award from the BBC for 2017-'18. She has also won several awards for her stand-up comedy, including Edinburgh's Best Newcomer in 2017.
Beyond her stand-up career, Sophie has made a significant impact on British television. She narrates the popular Channel 4 reality gameshow The Circle and is a regular cast member on the BBC1 sitcom Still Open All Hours. Her impressive range has also led to appearances in festive comedy Click and Collect alongside Stephen Merchant and Asim Chaudhry.
In 2021, BBC2 broadcast the first series of Sophie's semi-autobiographical sitcom Alma's Not Normal to widespread critical and commercial acclaim. This groundbreaking show is a testament to Sophie's unique voice and perspective, which continues to captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of comedians and writers.
