Growing up, Suzi Ruffell admits there were just three lesbians on her television – Sandi Toksvig, Sue Perkins and Clare Balding. Two decades later and queer women are still a rarity at the helm of prime time shows or headlining comedy gigs, but Ruffell is steadily changing that.
“Earlier in my career, people in TV would say quite homophobic things to me. ‘Do you have to wear a suit – can’t you wear a dress?’,” says the 39-year-old. “One panel show referred to the one chair the woman comic sat on as ‘the period chair’.
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“It’s tricky because there are enormous stand-ups that have done hugely homophobic routines. I don’t punch down; my comedy is quite celebratory, it’s quite joyful.”
Thankfully homophobic heckles and backstage discrimination have done little to stop Ruffell, who has been telling gags professionally since the mid-Noughties. After starting out on the comedy scene fresh from drama school, she’s gone on to become a familiar face on Live at the Apollo, The Last Leg and QI, as well as having five sell-out runs at the Fringe, a nomination for best stand-up show at the National Comedy Awards, two podcasts and an upcoming book.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get over how lucky I feel to be a stand-up,” she says. “I’m still totally buzzed that people come out and watch me, but I do struggle with imposter syndrome. I’m very wary of people that have unrelenting self-belief. A healthy dose of self-doubt is a good thing.”
Ruffell has been telling jokes professionally for more than a decadeHaving faced prejudice herself, it’s perhaps no surprise that Ruffell – who married her partner, Alice Storey, in 2021 – has become a vocal supporter of minority groups, including the trans community.
“Banning trans women from football feels so hateful,” says Ruffell, responding to the Football Association’s decision to stop trans women playing in women’s matches following the Supreme Court ruling that the legal meaning of a “woman” is based on biological sex. “I think it’s important to note that this applies to fewer than 30 people that play amateur football on a Sunday. I think it’s very sad that they won’t be able to take part any more.
“When we start policing women’s bodies, it becomes quite frightening. Meanwhile, there are male footballers that have done terrible things that continue to play.”
Football is a relatively recent passion for Ruffell, whose interest in the sport was ignited by her best friend and fellow comedian, Maisie Adam – a lifelong fan. The pair now co-host the award-winning podcast Big Kick Energy, where Adam’s deep-rooted knowledge is matched by Ruffell’s fresh take as a latecomer to the game.
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“We’re just about celebrating the game and, hopefully, making people laugh along the way,” she says. With the women’s Euros just over a month away, Ruffell is understandably excited. But, she’s also keenly aware of the hostility and outdated attitudes that still cling to women’s football.
“It’s misogyny,” says Ruffell. “I really don’t understand the people that spend their time saying horrible things about it on the internet. They must be very sad. There’s loads of things I’m not into, but I don’t spend my time slagging them off online.”
Ruffell has spoken openly about her lifelong battle with her mental health. “I was an anxious mess in my twenties and I still have it now,” she says. “A while ago, I was looking for a book that could give me some tips on how to cope, as well as being funny and hopeful. I couldn’t find that book. So, when I started feeling better, I decided to write it.
“In the process of doing so, my anxiety stopped being my enemy and started to be my companion. Now, I have a radical acceptance that I never had before. I’m still a work in progress, but it’s a nice place to be right now.”
‘Am I Having Fun Now? Anxiety, Applause and Life’s Big Questions Answered’ is out on Thursday (£18.99, Bluebird). ‘Big Kick Energy’ is on all streaming platforms
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