Paul Merton is one of Britain’s most recognisable comedians, known for his dry wit and long-standing role as a team captain on Have I Got News for You. Over four decades, he has built a career in television, radio, and live performance, while keeping much of his private life out of the spotlight. This article covers what is known about his biography, family, health, career, and upcoming tour in 2025.
Who is Paul Merton?
Paul Merton (born Paul James Martin)
9 July 1957, London, England
Have I Got News for You, improvisation, stand-up
Suki Webster (m. 2010)
- Paul Merton is one of Britain’s most enduring comedians, with a career spanning more than four decades.
- His personal life drew renewed attention after his marriage to fellow comedian Suki Webster and his stroke in 2015.
- He continues to perform live improv shows, often alongside his wife.
- Merton keeps details about children and finances largely private.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Paul James Martin |
| Age (2025) | 67 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Comedian, writer, actor, presenter |
| Years Active | 1980–present |
| Spouse | Suki Webster (m. 2010) |
| Children | Not publicly confirmed |
| Notable Show | Have I Got News for You (1990–present) |
| Health Event | Stroke in 2015 (fully recovered) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approx. $5 million (unofficial) |
Who is Paul Merton?
Born Paul James Martin on 9 July 1957 in South London, Merton grew up in a working-class household. His Irish mother encouraged his early interest in comedy. He made his professional debut at the Comedy Store in Soho in 1982 and soon after began touring with writing partner John Irwin. His big break came with the improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway? before he became a team captain on Have I Got News for You in 1990 – a role he has held ever since.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Merton has described his childhood in Fulham as unremarkable and modest. His mother’s support was pivotal; he has said, “My mother was Irish and she thought I was funny.” After leaving school, he worked in a variety of jobs before finding his way to the stage. His early act was built on observational humour and improvisation, which quickly set him apart in the London comedy scene of the early 1980s.
Rise to Fame with Have I Got News for You
Merton’s deadpan style and quick wit made him a natural fit for the satirical news quiz. He joined as a team captain in 1990 and has since become the show’s longest-serving panellist. His chemistry with co-host Ian Hislop and various guest presenters has made him a household name in British comedy.
Other Television, Radio and Film Work
Beyond the panel show circuit, Merton has presented documentaries like Paul Merton in China and Paul Merton in India. He is also the only remaining original panellist on the BBC Radio 4 show Just a Minute. His writing includes several books, most notably his 2014 autobiography Only When I Laugh.
Who is Paul Merton’s Wife, Suki Webster?
Merton married actress and comedian Suki Webster in 2010. Webster has appeared alongside him in improv shows and co-starred in their 2024 travel series Motorhoming with Merton & Webster. He was previously married to Caroline Quentin (1990–1998) and Sarah Parkinson (until her death in 2003).
Suki Webster’s Career as a Performer
Webster trained as an actress and has worked in television, theatre and comedy. She and Merton often perform together in live improv shows, a format that highlights their quick thinking and on-stage rapport.
Paul and Suki’s Creative Partnership
The couple regularly tour together. In 2025 they announced a new UK tour, and in 2024 they released Motorhoming with Merton & Webster, a travel series blending comedy and campervan adventures.
Does Paul Merton Have Children?
Public records and interviews contain no confirmed information about Paul Merton having children. Neither he nor Suki Webster have spoken about starting a family, and the comedian has consistently kept that aspect of his private life out of the public domain.
Known Information About His Family
Merton has occasionally mentioned his Irish mother and working-class upbringing. Beyond that, he does not discuss his relatives or early home life in any detail.
What Illness Did Paul Merton Face?
In the early 1990s, Merton experienced a severe manic episode that led to a breakdown. He voluntarily admitted himself to the Maudsley Hospital in London, where he stayed for several weeks. He later described hallucinating and believing he was being followed by the Freemasons. The episode is recounted in his autobiography Only When I Laugh.
The 2015 Stroke and Recovery
In July 2015, Merton suffered a stroke. He was hospitalised but made a full recovery. By September 2015 he had returned to the recording of Have I Got News for You. He has since spoken about the importance of rest and gradual return to work.
Health Now
As of 2025, Merton remains in good health and continues to perform regularly on television and on stage. No further health incidents have been reported.
Merton experienced a severe mental health episode in the 1990s, for which he was treated at the Maudsley Hospital. He suffered a stroke in July 2015 and made a full recovery. He has not reported any subsequent health problems.
What is Paul Merton’s Net Worth?
No official figure for Paul Merton’s net worth has ever been released. While some speculative estimates suggest around $5 million, these are not confirmed by Merton or his representatives. His income is understood to come from his long-running role on Have I Got News for You, live tours, book royalties, and television appearances.
Early Career and the Comedy Store
Merton began performing at the Comedy Store in London in 1982. That same year he toured with John Irwin, developing the improvisational skills that would become his hallmark. His early work also included writing for radio and appearing in sketch shows.
Is Paul Merton Touring in 2025?
Yes. In February 2025, Merton and Suki Webster announced a new series of live dates across the UK. The shows focus on unscripted improv, drawing on the couple’s on-stage chemistry. James Dreyfus and James Wilby will join the premiere of By Royal Appointment in April 2025.
Tour Format and Content
Following their 2024 travel series, the 2025 tour is a live extension of their collaborative style. Fans can expect spontaneous comedy, audience interaction, and stories from the road. Full dates are available on PaulMerton.com.
Timeline of Key Events
- 1957 – Born in London.
- 1980 – Began performing at the Comedy Store.
- 1990 – Joined Have I Got News for You as a team captain.
- 1991 – Starred in Paul Merton: The Series.
- 1995 – Hosted Room 101.
- 2010 – Married Suki Webster.
- 2015 – Suffered a stroke; recovered and returned to work.
- 2024 – Released travel series with Webster on UKTV.
- 2025 – Announces new UK tour with Suki Webster.
What Is Known – and What Remains Uncertain
| Confirmed Fact | Unconfirmed / Private |
|---|---|
| Married to Suki Webster since 2010 | Existence or details of children |
| Suffered a stroke in July 2015; recovered fully | Net worth figures (no official disclosure) |
| Has performed continuously since 1982 | Exact income from tours or TV |
| Tour dates announced via official channels | Private medical details beyond public statements |
What Is Paul Merton’s Legacy in British Comedy?
Merton is widely regarded as a master of dry, spontaneous wit. His presence on Have I Got News for You has made him one of the most familiar faces on British television. Alongside contemporaries like Stephen Fry and Ian Hislop, he helped define the modern panel-show format. His improvisation skills, rooted in his early work with the Comedy Store Players, remain at the core of his appeal.
Where to Find Official Information
The most comprehensive online biography is on Wikipedia, which is regularly updated with citations. A full list of his television and film appearances appears on IMDb. For tour dates and official news, his website PaulMerton.com is the primary source. BBC iPlayer also holds many episodes of Have I Got News for You.
“I had a complete breakdown. I was in the Maudsley Hospital for six weeks. I thought the Freemasons were after me.”
“My mother was Irish and she always said I was funny. She encouraged me to go on stage.”
What’s Next for Paul Merton?
Merton and Webster’s 2025 tour will take them across the UK, with dates still being added. There is also speculation about a possible return to radio or a new documentary series. No further television series have been announced, but his long association with Have I Got News for You continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Paul Merton?
He was born on 9 July 1957, making him 67 years old in 2025.
Why did Paul Merton change his name?
His original name is Paul James Martin. He adopted ‘Merton’ as a stage name early in his career, reportedly after the London borough.
Does Paul Merton have children?
Merton has never publicly confirmed or discussed having children. This remains a private area of his life.
What is Paul Merton’s net worth in 2025?
Unofficial estimates place it around $5 million, but no verified figure exists.
Did Paul Merton have a stroke?
Yes, he suffered a stroke in July 2015. He recovered fully and returned to television later the same year.
Where can I see Paul Merton perform live?
Tickets and dates for his 2025 tour with Suki Webster are available through his official website and ticketing partners.
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Philip Rowe is Senior Reporter at UKBullet.uk, covering breaking UK news stories.