Jo Brand

Comedian and novelist

Chair , 2009

Before hitting the UK comedy circuit at the age of 29, Jo Brand spent ten years as a psychiatric nurse in London.

She experienced first-hand the day-to-day troubles of the clinically depressed. She soon became one of the most successful alternative comedians in the country. Her award-winning Channel 4 programme 'Through the Cakehole' made her a household name, and she has remained a television favourite, appearing on shows including 'QI', 'Have I Got News for You' and 'Question Time' while also touring theatres regularly as a stand-up. In 2005, Jo was one of the judges of the Orange Prize for Fiction. She has written three novels.