Rhod Gilbert

Rhod Gilbert (born Rhodri Paul Gilbert on 18 October 1968 in Carmarthen, Wales) is a Welsh comedian and television and radio presenter. He was nominated in 2005 for the Perrier Best Newcomer Award and in 2008 for the main Edinburgh Comedy Award. He appears on television and radio panel shows, has performed stand-up on the Royal Variety Performance, and hosted a weekly show on BBC Radio Wales. In September 2014 he began presenting the BBC Two panel show Never Mind the Buzzcocks, becoming the permanent presenter for the final series of its original BBC run.

Gilbert was born as one of three siblings to two teacher parents and studied languages at Exeter University. After graduating, he travelled for a year and a half around Australia and Asia before returning to Carmarthen and working as an administrative assistant for the Welsh Office, and later as a qualitative researcher for market research agencies in London. He got into professional comedy in 2002, after taking part in the Amused Moose Stand Up and Deliver course, and within 18 months had won several talent competitions and was nominated for the Perrier Newcomer award for his first solo show in 2005 at the Edinburgh Fringe, titled 1984.

Many of Gilbert's stories are drawn from real life events and his life in the fictionalised village of Llanbobl. His 2008 show Rhod Gilbert and the Award-Winning Mince Pie saw him question his sanity, career and life after a breakdown brought on by an award-winning mince pie at a motorway services. He appeared at the 80th Royal Variety Performance on 17 December 2008. On television he has made guest appearances on Would I Lie to You?, QI and Mock the Week, and in December 2008 he became the official Voice of Wales for the country's tourist board, fronting the 2009 Visit Wales advertising.