'Comedy was a coping mechanism for me'

Comedian Rosie Jones on her tough rise to fame, her quest for love and why she thinks she will live until she’s 102

- RHIANNA BENSON

Growing up, comedian Rosie Jones felt she had no role models to aspire to.

The 32-year-old was born with ataxic cerebral palsy – a form of the condition that slows down speech and affects balance. She says she was “underestimated and patronised” throughout her childhood and teenage years – but she wasn’t about to let that hold her back.

Thanks to her dark humour – and with support from her beloved parents – the Yorkshire-born star has made a name for herself on the UK comedy circuit, and she’s helping to break down ableist and homophobic attitudes every step of the way.

Rosie has countless other achievements on her CV, too. She’s written for and appeared on several panel shows, including 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Would I Lie To You?, co-wrote an episode for hit Netflix series Sex Education and is also the author of children’s books.

But there’s one area of her life that needs a little attention – and that’s the romance department. The flirtatious star has no qualms about using our interview to remind readers that she’s “very, very single” and looking for love, although she confesses she’s “a bit too busy to really settle down” for the time being.

Here, Rosie talks about her tough journey to fame…

Hi, Rosie! Did you always know you wanted to be a comedian?