Paul James Martin, known professionally as Paul Merton (born 9 July 1957) is an English writer, actor, comedian, radio and television presenter.
Known for his improvisation skill, his humour is rooted in deadpan, surreal and sometimes dark comedy. Considered by some critics, fellow comedians and members of the public to be among Britain's greatest comedians, he is well known for his regular appearances as a team captain on the BBC panel game Have I Got News for You, and as the former host of Room 101, as well as for several appearances on the original British version of the improvisional comedy television show Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Merton was born on 9 July 1957 in Parsons Green, London, to an English Anglican father, Albert Martin (a train guard on the London Underground) and an Irish Roman Catholic mother, Mary Ann Power.
He attended Wimbledon College, a Jesuit-run secondary school that was formerly a grammar school and had just become a comprehensive, in a stream for boys who had failed the eleven plus and he received A-levels in English and History. After leaving school, Merton worked at the Tooting employment office as a clerical officer for seven years.
Paul Merton: The Series is a British sketch show that aired on Channel 4 from 1991 to 1993. The main star was Paul Merton, who co-wrote it along with John Irwin. It is not currently available on DVD but every episode is available for viewing free via Channel 4 service 4OD and YouTube in the UK. It can also be purchased in the UK via iTunes.
Series one was broadcast between 25 September 1991 and 30 October 1991. Series two was broadcast between 3 September 1993 and 8 October 1993. Each episode in the first series was 30 minutes long, including adverts, while the second series episodes were 35 minutes including adverts.
Just a couple of reminders of Paul Merton's wit on Have I Got News For You (HIGNFY).
Why yes, it could have been much longer than 7 minutes, you naysayers.
published: 28 Nov 2017
Paul Merton | Full Q&A at The Oxford Union
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Paul James Martin, known professionally as Paul Merton, is an English writer, actor, comedian, radio and television presenter. He is known for his improvisation skill, his humour being rooted in deadpan, surreal and sometimes dark comedy.
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.
published: 15 Nov 2017
Paul Merton stand-up (Just For Laughs, 1995)
Just For Laughs, 08/07/1995 (UK showing) - Paul Merton's warm-up routine as host.
Not my copyright, just sharing found ephemera.
published: 06 Jul 2017
Paul Merton's most surreal rant
Guest publication, 'Rubber Stamp Madness'. Have I Got News For You series 21 episode 07, broadcast 1 June 2001.
published: 12 May 2019
Paul Merton | Cambridge Union
An actor and writer, Paul Merton is considered to be one of Britain’s greatest comedians, known for his deadpan brand of comedy and his improvisational skills. His memorable role on BBC’s 'Have I Got News For You' has earned him an five nominations for the British Comedy Awards, as well as the Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Non-Acting Performer.
published: 25 Oct 2018
Have I Got Paul Merton and Ian Hislop for you. 21 Apr 23.
published: 21 Apr 2023
Motorhoming with Merton & Webster S01E01 - Canterbury
Stream
published: 14 Aug 2021
Be careful what you ask Paul Merton
Fern Britton asks Paul Merton a question... She wasn't expecting this reply.
Guest Host: Alistair McGowan
Ian Hislop's Team: Alan Duncan MP
Paul Merton's Team: Fern Britton
Aired on the UK television channel BBC1 on Friday, 20th October 2006.
published: 02 Mar 2010
British Comedy Awards: HIGNFY/Paul Merton wins and Insults Steps
Can't remember the year (the 90's). HIGNFY wins and the award is presented by pop group Steps who Paul Merton then insults
Edit: Clip of "Never Mind the Buzzcocks" cut to avoid copyright music issue.
published: 29 Dec 2016
Paul Merton's unedited 2003 Parkinson interview.
Michael Parkinson interviews Paul Merton in early 2003. Topics include HIGNFY, Angus Deayton, the death of Tommy Cooper, the BAFTA awards, that beard and much more.
Just a couple of reminders of Paul Merton's wit on Have I Got News For You (HIGNFY).
Why yes, it could have been much longer than 7 minutes, you naysayers.
Just a couple of reminders of Paul Merton's wit on Have I Got News For You (HIGNFY).
Why yes, it could have been much longer than 7 minutes, you naysayers.
Just a couple of reminders of Paul Merton's wit on Have I Got News For You (HIGNFY).
Why yes, it could have been much longer than 7 minutes, you naysayers.
SUBSCRIBE for more speakers ► http://is.gd/OxfordUnion
Oxford Union on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoxfordunion
Oxford Union on Twitter: @OxfordUnion
W...
SUBSCRIBE for more speakers ► http://is.gd/OxfordUnion
Oxford Union on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoxfordunion
Oxford Union on Twitter: @OxfordUnion
Website: http://www.oxford-union.org/
Paul James Martin, known professionally as Paul Merton, is an English writer, actor, comedian, radio and television presenter. He is known for his improvisation skill, his humour being rooted in deadpan, surreal and sometimes dark comedy.
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.
SUBSCRIBE for more speakers ► http://is.gd/OxfordUnion
Oxford Union on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoxfordunion
Oxford Union on Twitter: @OxfordUnion
Website: http://www.oxford-union.org/
Paul James Martin, known professionally as Paul Merton, is an English writer, actor, comedian, radio and television presenter. He is known for his improvisation skill, his humour being rooted in deadpan, surreal and sometimes dark comedy.
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.
An actor and writer, Paul Merton is considered to be one of Britain’s greatest comedians, known for his deadpan brand of comedy and his improvisational skills. ...
An actor and writer, Paul Merton is considered to be one of Britain’s greatest comedians, known for his deadpan brand of comedy and his improvisational skills. His memorable role on BBC’s 'Have I Got News For You' has earned him an five nominations for the British Comedy Awards, as well as the Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Non-Acting Performer.
An actor and writer, Paul Merton is considered to be one of Britain’s greatest comedians, known for his deadpan brand of comedy and his improvisational skills. His memorable role on BBC’s 'Have I Got News For You' has earned him an five nominations for the British Comedy Awards, as well as the Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Non-Acting Performer.
Fern Britton asks Paul Merton a question... She wasn't expecting this reply.
Guest Host: Alistair McGowan
Ian Hislop's Team: Alan Duncan MP
Paul Merton's T...
Fern Britton asks Paul Merton a question... She wasn't expecting this reply.
Guest Host: Alistair McGowan
Ian Hislop's Team: Alan Duncan MP
Paul Merton's Team: Fern Britton
Aired on the UK television channel BBC1 on Friday, 20th October 2006.
Fern Britton asks Paul Merton a question... She wasn't expecting this reply.
Guest Host: Alistair McGowan
Ian Hislop's Team: Alan Duncan MP
Paul Merton's Team: Fern Britton
Aired on the UK television channel BBC1 on Friday, 20th October 2006.
Can't remember the year (the 90's). HIGNFY wins and the award is presented by pop group Steps who Paul Merton then insults
Edit: Clip of "Never Mind the Buzzco...
Can't remember the year (the 90's). HIGNFY wins and the award is presented by pop group Steps who Paul Merton then insults
Edit: Clip of "Never Mind the Buzzcocks" cut to avoid copyright music issue.
Can't remember the year (the 90's). HIGNFY wins and the award is presented by pop group Steps who Paul Merton then insults
Edit: Clip of "Never Mind the Buzzcocks" cut to avoid copyright music issue.
Michael Parkinson interviews Paul Merton in early 2003. Topics include HIGNFY, Angus Deayton, the death of Tommy Cooper, the BAFTA awards, that beard and much m...
Michael Parkinson interviews Paul Merton in early 2003. Topics include HIGNFY, Angus Deayton, the death of Tommy Cooper, the BAFTA awards, that beard and much more.
Michael Parkinson interviews Paul Merton in early 2003. Topics include HIGNFY, Angus Deayton, the death of Tommy Cooper, the BAFTA awards, that beard and much more.
Just a couple of reminders of Paul Merton's wit on Have I Got News For You (HIGNFY).
Why yes, it could have been much longer than 7 minutes, you naysayers.
SUBSCRIBE for more speakers ► http://is.gd/OxfordUnion
Oxford Union on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoxfordunion
Oxford Union on Twitter: @OxfordUnion
Website: http://www.oxford-union.org/
Paul James Martin, known professionally as Paul Merton, is an English writer, actor, comedian, radio and television presenter. He is known for his improvisation skill, his humour being rooted in deadpan, surreal and sometimes dark comedy.
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.
An actor and writer, Paul Merton is considered to be one of Britain’s greatest comedians, known for his deadpan brand of comedy and his improvisational skills. His memorable role on BBC’s 'Have I Got News For You' has earned him an five nominations for the British Comedy Awards, as well as the Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Non-Acting Performer.
Fern Britton asks Paul Merton a question... She wasn't expecting this reply.
Guest Host: Alistair McGowan
Ian Hislop's Team: Alan Duncan MP
Paul Merton's Team: Fern Britton
Aired on the UK television channel BBC1 on Friday, 20th October 2006.
Can't remember the year (the 90's). HIGNFY wins and the award is presented by pop group Steps who Paul Merton then insults
Edit: Clip of "Never Mind the Buzzcocks" cut to avoid copyright music issue.
Michael Parkinson interviews Paul Merton in early 2003. Topics include HIGNFY, Angus Deayton, the death of Tommy Cooper, the BAFTA awards, that beard and much more.
Paul James Martin, known professionally as Paul Merton (born 9 July 1957) is an English writer, actor, comedian, radio and television presenter.
Known for his improvisation skill, his humour is rooted in deadpan, surreal and sometimes dark comedy. Considered by some critics, fellow comedians and members of the public to be among Britain's greatest comedians, he is well known for his regular appearances as a team captain on the BBC panel game Have I Got News for You, and as the former host of Room 101, as well as for several appearances on the original British version of the improvisional comedy television show Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Merton was born on 9 July 1957 in Parsons Green, London, to an English Anglican father, Albert Martin (a train guard on the London Underground) and an Irish Roman Catholic mother, Mary Ann Power.
He attended Wimbledon College, a Jesuit-run secondary school that was formerly a grammar school and had just become a comprehensive, in a stream for boys who had failed the eleven plus and he received A-levels in English and History. After leaving school, Merton worked at the Tooting employment office as a clerical officer for seven years.