Ceremony Hosts

Sam Bailey was born in Bexley, East London. Growing up, she enjoyed singing for her friends and family but never believed she was destined for stardom.

When she was younger, Sam entered talent competitions but always wanted to impress people by herself, rather than being talked up by family and friends. However, her family did have a major influence on her musical career – her grandfather was a singer in a group called ‘The Four Vinos’ and her father was also in a band and she was often in the company of musicians.

One of her earliest success stories was winning a ‘Search For A Star’ talent competition in Crayford Town Hall, Bexley as a 16-year-old. She went on to attend Bexley Arts College and Dartford’s Miskin Theatre to further develop her talent.

Whether you’ve seen her on TV shows such as “Have I Got News For You” or “Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow”, heard her on the radio on “Just a Minute” or “Stop The Press”, or caught her live at one of her award-winning Edinburgh Festival shows, the chances are you’re already familiar with Jo’s work.

Described by The Observer as “one of the finest female comics at work” and by The Scotsman as “quite simply, a damn funny woman” Jo can regularly be seen headlining the UK’s biggest and best comedy clubs. She is also in high demand on the corporate circuit, speaking at and hosting dinners and award ceremonies for many leading companies across the UK and beyond.

Behind scenes Jo is a respected writer, having served as a writer / programme consultant on all five series of Graham Norton’s BAFTA Award winning “So Graham Norton” and as head writer on both Ruby Wax’s “Waiting Game” and Zoe Ball’s “Strictly Dance Fever”. Jo has also written for – among others – Joan Rivers, Ant & Dec and Anne Robinson.

Jo is also a popular and respected warm-up for many high-profile TV shows.

In 2018 she won the “SGFringe Stand-Up Comedy Award” and gained critical acclaim for her performance as Helena Brandt in the sell-out Fringe run of the play, Brexit.