Gyles Brandreth

Gyles Brandreth's extensive and diverse career has seen him take roles in government, become a star of the stage and screen, and be appointed Chancellor of the University of Chester. Gyles is one of the best after-dinner speakers, mixing a range of topics and experiences in a sidesplitting arrangement of humorous anecdotal stories - he even holds the record for the longest after-dinner speech, a whopping 12 and a half hours! This best-selling author of Odd Boy Out is available to hire for a wide range of events, including after-dinner engagements and corporate galas.

Between 1992 and 1997, Gyles was an MP for the City of Chester, with notable achievements, including a proposed bill that became law as the 1994 Marriage Act. In 1995, Gyles was appointed to a junior ministerial position as Lord of the Treasury. His connection to the nation's governing body makes him an insightful political speaker who can bridge the gaps between the social, business, and political worlds. Since his political career, Gyles has enjoyed a highly successful and varied media career as a TV presenter and radio broadcaster. Gyles has made over 300 appearances on Countdown, more than any other guest. He is known for his wit and humour and is a favourite on BBC shows like QI, Have I Got News For You and The One Show. Gyles also frequents Radio 4's popular show Just a Minute, where he is known for his ability to talk continuously about almost any topic and current affairs, captivating audiences.

Breaking into the media industry in 1968, Gyles was interviewed by Panorama. He later hosted his show, Child of the Sixties, for ITV, followed by a docuseries for BBC 2 and ITV. The 1970s and 1980s saw Gyles thrive on light entertainment programmes like Opportunity Knocks! and Blankety Blank. During the same period of his career, Gyles started writing for various magazines and news publications, including The Times, The Telegraph and The Daily Mail. In 2003, Gyles starred in This Is Your Life, where he reflected on his career. He has also appeared on hundreds of The One Show episodes. Taking to the stage, Gyles has performed in countless sold-out shows, including Zipp! and The Importance of Being Earnest - a testament to his diverse talent. In 2022, Gyles launched a podcast with his daughter called the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast, which featured HM Queen Camilla, followed by Rosebud in 2023. He also hosts a podcast about language with Susie Dent. Passionate about poetry, Gyles founded the Poetry Together Project in 2019.  

In 2014, Gyles was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Chester to recognise his long and influential career. From Celebrity Gogglebox to the Royal Albert Stage, your audience will instantly recognise Gyles. His outstanding after-dinner and keynote speeches are informative and highly entertaining. Delivered with endless humour, anecdotal tales of life, and observations about how the world works, his speeches will have your audience in fits of laughter. With experience talking in front of thousands at conferences and events around the globe, Gyles is a seasoned professional with a portfolio to match.

Recently, Gyles Brandreth was featured in our official list of the top 25 After Dinner Speakers for Your Next Corporate Event, recognised for his contributions to show business.