Filthy Fridays With Spencer Jones And Gail Porter

About

Spencer Jones

Spencer Jones is an English actor, writer, and comedian who has been nominated twice for the Edinburgh Comedy Award and for multiple BAFTAs
He is celebrated for his unique and surreal brand of comedy that blends prop work, physical clowning, and musical loops. He is widely recognised for his endearing and childlike alter ego, “The Herbert,” a character that has become a staple of his live performances and television work. Jones has garnered critical acclaim for his innovative shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, earning multiple award nominations. He is also known to a broader audience for his starring roles in the BBC sitcoms Mister Winner and The Mind of Herbert Clunkerdunk, the latter being a vehicle for his signature character. Additionally, he played the memorable role of William Kempe in Ben Elton’s historical sitcom Upstart Crow. His work is often characterised by a joyful, homemade aesthetic, using everyday objects and DIY puppetry to create absurd and heartwarming comedic scenarios, making him one of the most distinctive voices in modern British comedy.

Gail Porter

She’s been famous, she’s been homeless, she’s been sectioned with two guys who both claimed to be Jesus. Life has certainly been eventful for Gail Porter. For the best part of a decade, Gail was one of the most ubiquitous faces on British television, presenting legendary shows like Top of the Pops and The Big Breakfast.

Born and raised in Edinburgh, after graduating from college Gail moved into TV production, working as a runner (which often included being an unpaid babysitter to the boss’s children) and all manner of low/no paid jobs as she learnt the craft of television. On the encouragement of a friend, Gail auditioned for a children’s television show in Scotland, and much to her surprise and consternation got the job. She swiftly made a name for herself in children’s television, presenting long-running shows Fully Booked, How 2 and Live & Kicking among others.

A popular model alongside her television career, in 1999 a nude photo of Gail was projected onto the Houses of Parliament as a guerilla publicity stunt by a “lads mag” to promote their 100 sexiest women poll. The first Gail knew about it was when it was reported and became the topic of discussion on Newsnight, intensifying media interest in her private life.

In 2004 Gail began presenting the paranormal TV series Dead Famous. It was during filming for the show that she began to suffer from alopecia totalis, causing her hair to fall out. The stress of this and the break-up of her marriage brought underlying mental health issues to the surface, ultimately leading her to be detained under the Mental Health Act.

Since then Gail has been a vocal mental health advocate and championed many causes. In 2019 BBC Scotland made the documentary with her, Being Gail Porter, which went on to win a BAFTA. A regular attendee since she was a child, Hung Drawn & Portered was her debut show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023.

Christian Jegard

Hello, I’m a vaudevillain comic and all-round entertainer from Brighton.I have appeared on BBC 3, Radio 4Extra and Next Up TV.
I have written and produced material for The Beano, Angel Comedy Club and Comedy CrowdTV.
I do standup & sketches, I’m currently performing my hour show ‘Mr Showbusiness’ around the UK.
I have a sitcom pilot in devolopment. Chack back here for updates.
I’m into you as a friend.

Awards & accolades
Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year 2023 - 2nd Place
BBC New Comedy Awards 2023 - Regional Finalist
Musical Comedy Awards 2023 - WINNER, Audience Favourite Award & 2nd Place
Union Jack Radio - Ones To Watch 2022
Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year - 3rd Place
British Comedy Guide Pro Video Contest - WINNER
Komedia New Comedy Award - Finalist
Sketched Out at The Comedy Store - Finalist
Comedy Crowd TV Showcase - Runner Up
Musical Comedy Awards (Crooners Against Corona) - Finalist
Chortlist - Finalist

Compere: Guy Lloyd.