Contents
Last updated on the 24 June 2025 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 5 October 1975, Bolton, Greater Manchester, England.
Diane Morgan was born in Bolton, grew up in nearby Farnworth and Kearsley and attended George Tomlinson School. She had a few actors on her father’s side of the family, such as Julie Goodyear, Frank Finlay and Jack Wild.
When she was 20, she studied at the East 15 Acting School in Loughton. She started her career as a stand-up comedian and formed a sketch duo with Joe Wilkinson called Two Episodes of Mash. She also appeared in various TV shows, such as Phoenix Nights, Him & Her, Utopia, and Drunk History.
She gained fame for her portrayal of Philomena Cunk, a dim-witted and ill-informed interviewer and commentator on current affairs. The character first appeared on Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe and later starred in her own mockumentary series, such as Cunk on Britain and Cunk on Earth. She also played Kath in the Netflix dark comedy series After Life, Liz in the BBC Two sitcom Motherland, and Mandy in her own comedy series on BBC Two. She also wrote and directed a short film called Thawed.
Morgan is in a relationship with Ben Caudell, a comedy producer and writer. They have a son together, who was born in 2019.
Suggested viewing
Rovers (2016)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.4
“Rovers” is a British sitcom that follows the hilarious and heartwarming antics of the regulars at a struggling non-league football club’s social club. Led by Doreen, the no-nonsense bar manager, the show features a quirky cast of characters like the overly enthusiastic fan Pete, his best friend Tel and the troublesome pair Lee and Bruce. It’s a comedic and touching look at the daily lives and unique personalities of these working-class individuals, all united by their passion for the underdog Rovers football team.
Top cast: Craig Cash, Sue Johnston, Diane Morgan, Joe Wilkinson, Lolly Adefope, David Earl, Pearce Quigley, Jamie Demetriou, Steve Speirs.
Cunk on Britain (2016)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2
A clueless reporter embarks on a “serious” exploration of British history. Armed with childlike questions and unwavering confidence, she interviews baffled experts, leaving viewers both cringing and chuckling. Hilarious misunderstandings clash with genuine curiosity, turning historical figures into bizarre caricatures and exposing the absurdity hidden in common knowledge. This mockumentary skewers patriotism and education with sharp wit, proving that ignorance can be the most entertaining lens through which to see the past.
Top cast: Diane Morgan, Ashley Jackson, Ruth Adams, Jim Al-Khalili, Shirley J. Thompson, Mark Lawson, Robert Preston, Howard Goodall, Douglas Headley.
Mandy (2019)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.3
Mandy is a comedy series about a woman who has big dreams but little motivation. She goes through various odd jobs and schemes, often ending in disaster. Along the way, she meets eccentric characters, such as a Russian assassin, a line dancing rival and a rock star ex-husband.
Top cast: Diane Morgan, Michelle Greenidge, Natalie Cassidy, Nigel Planer, Anna Maxwell Martin.
Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe (2013)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.6
A satirical comedy news show that takes a cynical look at the latest happenings in the world of media, politics and culture. Brooker delivers his sarcastic opinions on various topics, while also featuring sketches, interviews and contributions from other comedians.
Top cast: Charlie Brooker, Diane Morgan, Al Campbell, Doug Stanhope, Tim Key, Bob Mortimer, Camilla Long.
Cunk on Shakespeare (2016)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8
This mockumentary explores the life and works of William Shakespeare, questioning everything from his hygiene to the true meaning behind his plays. The presenter, known for her lack of knowledge, tackles the Bard’s mysterious identity and challenges traditional interpretations of his work with a healthy dose of humour and scepticism, encouraging viewers to question what they thought they knew about Shakespeare. Cunk is impressed that Shakespeare wrote with a feather.
Top cast: Diane Morgan, Simon Russell Beale, Matthew Burton, Ben Crystal, Iqbal Khan, Clara Shepard, Stanley Wells, Christopher Young.
