Steve Pemberton

Last updated on the 10 May 2025 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: September 1, 1967, Blackburn, Lancashire,

Steve Pemberton grew up in Chorley and attended Saint Michael’s Church of England High School before pursuing his passion for acting at Bretton Hall College of Education. It was during his time at Bretton Hall that he met future collaborators Mark Gatiss and Reece Shearsmith, with whom he would later form the acclaimed comedy troupe, The League of Gentlemen.

Pemberton’s career took off with The League of Gentlemen, which started as a stage act in 1995 before transitioning to BBC Radio 4 and later becoming a successful television series on BBC Two in 1999. The show, known for its dark humour and unique storytelling, earned multiple awards, including a BAFTA. He extended his creative partnership with Shearsmith in the darkly comedic series “Psychoville” and later co-developed and headlined the widely praised anthology series “Inside No. 9”, which earned him a BAFTA.

Outside of his comedic ventures, Pemberton has showcased his versatility in numerous television dramas, such as “Benidorm”, “Whitechapel”, “Happy Valley”, “Doctor Who” and “Shameless”. His film credits include “The League of Gentlemen’s Apocalypse”, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” and “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”.

In his personal life, Pemberton shares a partnership with Alison Rowles, and together they have three children. He values time with his family and is an avid supporter of Blackburn Rovers. His career continues to flourish, with his unique storytelling and compelling performances making a lasting mark on British television and comedy.

WINNER | Television: New Media for Psychoville (2012) | Television Craft:  Writer – Comedy for Inside No. 9 (2015) | Television Craft: Writer – Comedy for Inside No. 9 (2018) | Television: Male Performance in a Comedy Programme for Inside No. 9 (2019) | Television: Scripted Comedy for Inside No. 9 (2021)

Suggested viewing

Inside No. 9 (2014)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.5

An anthology series that takes the audience into a unique and suspenseful world where dark humour, psychological twists and social commentary intertwine. Each self-contained 30-minute episode features a new set of characters and a new setting, often exploring the themes of guilt, obsession and the unexpected consequences of our actions.

Top cast: Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton.

The League of Gentlemen (1999)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4

In the peculiar town of Royston Vasey, a collection of grotesque and eccentric characters play out their daily lives with an unsettling blend of humour and horror. From the xenophobic shopkeepers to the overly enthusiastic taxi driver, each resident contributes to the town’s unique atmosphere, making “The League of Gentlemen” a surreal and unforgettable comedic experience.

Top cast: Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith, Jeremy Dyson, Paul Hays-Marshall, Rosy Deacon, Michael Gallagher.

Psychoville (2009)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.9

In the sinister town of “Psychoville”, a group of seemingly unconnected individuals are thrown together when they receive a ominous note stating “I know what you did.” As the mystery deepens, their dark secrets and hidden desires come to light, leading to a twisted and hilarious journey through the depths of human psychology.

Top cast: Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, Dawn French, Eileen Atkins, Daniel Kaluuya, Imelda Staunton, Adrian Scarborough, Jason Tompkins.

Benidorm (2007)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6

Set in the heart of Spain’s bustling resort town, “Benidorm”, the series revolves around a group of British holidaymakers and staff members at the Solana Hotel. Through their hilarious misadventures, the show offers a satirical take on British culture and the pursuit of fun and relaxation in the sun-drenched Spanish paradise.

Top cast: Jake Canuso, Janine Duvitski, Tony Maudsley, Elsie Kelly, Tim Healy, Sheila Reid, Siobhan Finneran, Steve Pemberton, Oliver Stokes.

Similar to

Mapp & Lucia (2014)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

In the quaint English seaside town of Tilling, two formidable women, Elizabeth Mapp and Lucia Lucas, embark on a comedic battle for social dominance. Their rivalry intensifies as they vie for control over the town’s social events, leading to a series of escapades and witty exchanges that showcase their eccentric personalities and obsession with maintaining their status within the community.

Top cast: Anna Chancellor, Miranda Richardson, Poppy Miller, Felicity Montagu, Gemma Whelan, Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss, Julian Rhind-Tutt.

Alternative version

Whitechapel (2009)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.8

A fast-tracked inspector, a hardened detective sergeant and an expert in historical homicides investigate modern crimes with connections to the past in the Whitechapel district of London. As they examine the city’s murky history, they must confront the haunting legacy of Jack the Ripper, while also dealing with the present-day dangers lurking in the shadows of London’s East End.

Top cast: Rupert Penry-Jones, Phil Davis, Steve Pemberton, Sam Stockman, Ben Bishop, Hannah Walters, Claire Rushbrook, Johnny Harris.

Happy Valley (2014)

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.5

In the rugged Yorkshire Dales, Sergeant Catherine Cawood is a resilient and straightforward police officer dealing with inner struggles and an ardent commitment to upholding justice. Her life takes a dramatic turn when a girl disappears, pushing her to face the sinister aspects of her town and the hidden truths from her own history.

Top cast: Sarah Lancashire, Steve Pemberton, Siobhan Finneran, James Norton, Joe Armstrong, Adam Long, George Costigan, Karl Davies.

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)