Paddy McGuinness: Bolton’s Comedian Turned TV Star
Bolton, 12 January 2026 – Paddy McGuinness, born Patrick Joseph McGuinness, is an English comedian, actor, writer, and television presenter renowned for his collaborations with Peter Kay and hosting major shows like Top Gear and Question of Sport.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
McGuinness was born on 14 August 1973 in Farnworth, Bolton, Lancashire, and attended Mount St Joseph High School. He formed a close friendship with fellow comedian Peter Kay during his school days, which later propelled his career. McGuinness made his television debut in 1995 as a contestant on God’s Gift and appeared in shows like The Match and Inside Wayne Rooney. His breakthrough came with Peter Kay’s That Peter Kay Thing in 2000, followed by Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere in 2004, where he played the hapless doorman Paddy O’Shea.
Rise to Fame and Television Work
McGuinness hosted numerous shows across channels, including Take Me Out on ITV from 2010 to 2019, 71 Degrees North in 2011, Paddy’s TV Guide in 2013, and Top Gear on BBC from 2019 to 2022 alongside Chris Harris and Freddie Flintoff. He also presented Question of Sport from 2021 to 2023, I Can See Your Voice in 2021-2022, and Tempting Fortune since 2023. His other credits include appearances in Coronation Street, The Keith & Paddy Picture Show, and charity work for Children in Need, where he raised over £9 million through a 300-mile cycle challenge in 2024. McGuinness took over as host of BBC Radio 2’s 11am-1pm show in June 2024.
Stand-Up Tours and Books
McGuinness performed four major stand-up tours: The Dark Side Tour in 2006, Plus You! Tour in 2008, Saturday Night Live Tour in 2011, and Daddy McGuinness in 2015-2016. He announced Nearly There for 2024-2025. He authored My Guide to the North in 2010 and his autobiography My Lifey in 2021.
Personal Life
McGuinness married Christine Martin in 2011, and they had three children: twins Penelope and Leo, and Felicity. The family shared their experiences with autism in the BBC documentary Paddy and Christine McGuinness: Our Family and Autism. They separated in 2021 and divorced in 2024 but continued living together for their children. McGuinness supports Bolton Wanderers FC and has Irish ancestry.
Key Facts and Achievements
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date and Place | 14 August 1973, Farnworth, Bolton, Lancashire |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 metres) |
| Notable Shows Hosted | Take Me Out, Top Gear, Question of Sport, Tempting Fortune |
| Stand-Up Tours | Four tours, including Nearly There (2024-2025) |
| Charity Work | Raised over £9 million for Children in Need via cycle challenge in 2024 |
| Books | My Guide to the North (2010), My Lifey (2021) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paddy McGuinness best known for?
He is best known for his comedy roles with Peter Kay, hosting Take Me Out, and co-presenting Top Gear.
Has Paddy McGuinness won any awards?
While not specified in recent data, his work on Phoenix Nights and other projects received critical acclaim, though no major awards are highlighted.
What is Paddy McGuinness’s family background?
He has three children with ex-wife Christine McGuinness, all of whom are autistic, and he has Irish ancestry.
Is Paddy McGuinness still active in television?
Yes, he hosts Tempting Fortune on Channel 4 and presented BBC Radio 2’s show from 2024.