Darren Harriott is one of the UK’s most dynamic and recognisable comedic voices, a double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, TV regular, and a sought-after speaker and host. Known for his sharp wit, authenticity, and relatable storytelling, Darren has featured on a long list of major television shows including Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Love Island, Aftersun, Dancing on Ice, and Don’t Hate the Playaz. With a presence that bridges comedy, culture, and commentary, Darren is more than just a stand-up; he’s a captivating communicator, ideal for live events, panel moderation, and corporate entertainment.
Darren’s career began in Birmingham, where he worked as a security guard, often stationed at the very venues he would later headline. His debut show, Defiant at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017, earned him a Best Newcomer nomination, and he followed it with Good Heart Yute in 2019, nominated for Best Show. His 2023 show Roadman earned critical acclaim across The Guardian, Evening Standard, and Mail on Sunday, solidifying his place as a master storyteller who weaves comedy with real-life reflection.
Today, Darren is a familiar face on British television and radio. He has hosted Britain’s Best Takeaway with Sara Cox, fronted Guessable as team captain across four series, and appeared on fan favourite shows like The Last Leg, The Wheel, Would I Lie to You, House of Games, Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central, and Roast Battle. On radio, he presents weekly on BBC West Midlands and has released two powerful Radio 4 series, Black Label and Red Label, where he reflects on identity, masculinity, and his upbringing in gang culture.
As a keynote speaker, Darren brings unmatched energy, humour, and humanity to the stage. His lived experience, rising from hardship in the West Midlands to national acclaim, makes him uniquely relatable across corporate, education, and youth audiences. His talks explore themes like resilience, overcoming adversity, identity, culture, and mental health, all delivered with the authenticity and levity of a world-class comedian. Whether opening a conference or hosting a team event, Darren leaves every room more connected, thoughtful, and inspired. Book Darren Harriott today for your next event and give your audience a speaker who not only entertains but uplifts, informs, and engages with lasting impact.
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"Passionate, articulate, witty." - Evening Standard
"Properly funny." - The Times
"Expect to see much more of him soon." - Scotsman
- 2024 – Returned to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and hosted the BBC New Comedy Awards Midlands Regional Final.
- 2023 – Performed his acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe show "Roadman", receiving 4-star reviews from The Mail on Sunday, The Skinny, and EdFest Magazine, and selected as a "Pick of the Fringe" by The Guardian and Evening Standard.
- 2023 – Appeared on "Dancing on Ice", showcasing his personality to a primetime ITV audience.
- 2022 – Continued as team captain on Comedy Central’s "Guessable" for a fourth series and featured on "Celebrity Antiques Road Trip" and "Interior Design Masters" for BBC One.
- 2021 – Starred in major entertainment shows including "The Wheel", "The Last Leg", "Outsiders", and "Backstage with Katherine Ryan".
- 2020 – Presented "Britain’s Best Takeaway" alongside Sara Cox and appeared regularly on "Love Island: Aftersun" and "Don’t Hate the Playaz".
- 2019 – Nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Show for "Good Heart Yute", which later toured across the UK and internationally.
- 2018 – Toured nationally with his show "Visceral" and built his profile through appearances on "Mock the Week", "Roast Battle", and "Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central".
- 2017 – Made his debut at the Edinburgh Fringe with "Defiant", earning a nomination for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards. The show transferred to the Soho Theatre and Melbourne Comedy Festival.
How to hire Darren Harriott
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Darren Harriott for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
