Jack Dee

Jack Dee

Date of birth: 24-09-1962
Dee's first public act was an open-mike gig in 1988. He toiled away on the circuit with little success, while holding down menial kitchen jobs.

Disillusioned with his lack of progress, he was ready to quit when he took to the stage with a grumpy, 'couldn't care less attiude' which, to his surprised, won over the audience. In that moment he found his voice – and a career.

Things really took off in 1991, when he won the British Comedy Award for best stage newcomer as well as a Perrier Award nomination.

In February the following year he landed his own, series on Channel 4, setting him on the road to fame. By 1995 he was starring in his own series on ITV.

His list of awards to date include two at the 1995 British Comedy Awards, three British Advertising awards for his infamous 'widget' John Smith Bitter commercials in 1997, and the best stand-up gong at the 1997 British Comedy Awards.

As well as his comedy work, he has appeared on TV dramas including The Grimleys in 1996; fairground romance, Tunnel of Love in 2004; and The Deputy, where he played a political fixer alongside Warren Clarke, also in 2004. He has also performed in Yasmina Reza's award-winning play Art in the West End. Probably one of his most memorable television appearances was on the first Celebrity Big Brother, in 2001, which he won.

In 2004, Jack returned to stand-up on television with Jack Dee: Live At The Apollo featuring stand-up appearances from Joan Rivers, Ross Noble and Ardal O'Hanlon.

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Jack Dee to host new quiz show

Pairing comedians with smart kids

Jack Dee is to host a new U&Dave comedy game show that pairs children with stand-up comedians.

In Help Me Tiny Big Brain, three young contestants known as ‘Tiny Big Brains’ are each paired with a comedian, who try their best not to ruin the youngsters’ chances of winning.

The comics appearing will be: Maisie Adam, Lucy Beaumont, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Ivo Graham, Guz Khan, Johnny Vegas, Tim Vine, Phil Wang and Sophie Willan.  

Dee said: ‘I will be asking some of the brightest young people in the country to collaborate with some top comedians in order to solve maddeningly frustrating problems. It’s fun, uplifting and has an irresistible feel-good vibe. Precisely the kind of thing I am best known for.’

The Belfast-based production company Stellify Media is making the show, which will run for four 40-minute episodes

Executive producer Tracie O’Neill said: ‘Pairing super smart kids with brilliant comedians under the guidance of Jack Dee was always going to lead to unpredictable chaos - and that’s exactly what makes Help Me Tiny Big Brain such a joy. It’s funny, smart and surprisingly full of heart.’

Gerald Casey, UKTV’s director of unscripted programming, orders the programme. He said: ‘Help Me Tiny Big Brain is an idea that the channel has been looking at for a long time, and I’m delighted we are finally bringing it to the screen. Jack Dee teaming up with three Tiny Big Brains to run the rule over UK comedy’s finest promises to be unique and hilarious viewing.’

The programme will air later this year on U&Dave and free streaming service U.

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Published: 26 Aug 2026

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