Paul Merton – Biography, Wife, Net Worth, and Tour 2025

Paul Merton is an English comedian, writer, actor and broadcaster, best known as a long-running team captain on Have I Got News for You and for his improvisational comedy work on Whose Line Is It Anyway?. With a career spanning more than four decades, Merton has become a staple of British satire and live comedy, admired for his deadpan delivery and quick wit.

Born Paul James Martin in Parsons Green, London, on 9 July 1957, he adopted the stage name Paul Merton early in his career. His work includes stand-up, radio, television presenting, and writing. Merton is also known for his improvisation duo with his wife, Suki Webster, and for his candid autobiography that discusses past mental health struggles.

Who is Paul Merton?

Key Insights

• Paul Merton is a veteran English comedian whose career spans over 40 years, primarily known for his quick wit on Have I Got News for You.
• He is married to fellow comedian Suki Webster, and together they perform an improv show.
• Despite public interest, details about his children and illness remain private or unconfirmed.
• His net worth is estimated but not officially disclosed; most estimates place it in the millions.

Snapshot Facts

Who is Paul Merton’s Wife?

Paul Merton’s wife is Suki Webster, an actress and comedian. Publicly available biographical sources confirm that the couple have been married since 2009. Webster is known for her own improv work and has performed alongside Merton in their joint stage shows.

Who is Suki Webster?

Suki Webster is a British actress and comedian who frequently collaborates with Merton on improvisational projects. The pair co-starred in the travel series Motorhoming with Merton & Webster in 2021, and they regularly perform an improv show together at venues such as The Comedy Store.

Are Paul Merton and Suki Webster Married?

Yes, multiple sources – including IMDb and biographical databases – list them as married since 2009. Merton was previously married to Caroline Quentin and later to Sarah Parkinson, who died in 2003.

Does Paul Merton Have Children?

There is no reliable confirmation that Paul Merton has children. Reputable sources such as Wikipedia and his official website do not list any children. The comedian has not publicly discussed having children, and absence of evidence suggests he may not have any, although this is not definitively confirmed.

What Illness Does Paul Merton Have?

Merton has spoken publicly about a mental breakdown or manic episode that led to treatment at the Maudsley Hospital. His autobiography, Only When I Laugh, candidly describes this period. The breakdown occurred before he became a household name on Have I Got News for You. No current or ongoing illness has been confirmed by Merton or official sources, and the question of a specific illness appears to stem from fan speculation or past absences.

What is Paul Merton’s Net Worth?

No reliable net worth figure has been disclosed. Estimates commonly circulate online – often in the range of £6–8 million – based on his long career in television, stand-up, and writing. However, Merton has never officially disclosed his finances, and these numbers remain speculative.

Is Paul Merton Touring in 2025?

As of early 2025, no confirmed tour schedule has been announced. He has toured extensively in the past, including a 1999 stand-up tour titled “and this is me PAUL MERTON” and the “Paul Merton’s Improv Show” in 2019–2020. In 2021 he appeared in Motorhoming with Merton & Webster with Suki Webster. No publicised tour dates for 2025 have been found in available sources.

How Did Paul Merton’s Career Progress? (Timeline)

1. 1957: Born Paul James Martin in Parsons Green, London.
2. 1970s: Began performing comedy in the alternative comedy scene.
3. 1980: Changed his surname to Merton.
4. 1990: Became a regular panellist on Have I Got News for You.
5. 1991: Started his own BBC series Paul Merton: The Series.
6. 2003: Divorced from first wife Sarah Merton.
7. 2009: Married Suki Webster.
8. 2019–2020: Touring with Paul Merton’s Improv Show.
9. 2021: Appeared in Motorhoming with Merton & Webster.

What is Known and Unknown About Paul Merton’s Health and Family?

Why is Paul Merton Significant in British Comedy?

Paul Merton is a central figure in British satire, often cited as one of the funniest comedians in the UK. His role on Have I Got News for You has made him a familiar face in British homes for over three decades, while his improvisation work on Whose Line Is It Anyway? showcased his quick thinking and surreal humour. More recently, his partnership with Suki Webster has revived interest in live improv comedy, attracting both longstanding fans and new audiences.

What Do Authoritative Sources Say About Paul Merton?

“Paul Merton is an English comedian who is best known as one of the two regular panellists on the television show Have I Got News for You.”

Wikipedia

“Consistently ranked as one of Britain’s funniest comedians by critics, viewers and some of his neighbours.”

paulmerton.com

“Paul Merton was born on 9 July 1957 in Parsons Green, London, England, UK.”

IMDb

For further reading, visit the Wikipedia page, the official Paul Merton website, or IMDb profile. Merton’s social media is also active via Instagram.

What is Paul Merton Doing Now?

As of early 2025, Paul Merton continues to perform with his wife Suki Webster at venues such as The Comedy Store, and he remains a regular panellist on Have I Got News for You. No new television projects have been announced, but fans can check his official website for any future tour dates or appearances. For more on other comedians, read our article on Kevin James Movies and TV Shows and Chris Tucker – Net Worth, Movies, Tour 2025 and Biography.

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