Paul Merton: Bio, Wife, Tour, Net Worth & More
Paul Merton is one of Britain’s most recognisable comedians, known for his quick wit and deadpan delivery. As a long-standing team captain on Have I Got News for You and a key performer on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, he has become a fixture of British television comedy for more than three decades.
Born Paul James Martin in London in 1957, Merton adopted his stage name early in his career and built a reputation as a master of improvisation and satire. His work extends beyond panel shows to stand‑up, documentaries, and silent‑film appreciation, making him a versatile figure in entertainment.
This profile draws on the available public record to answer the most common questions about Paul Merton: his biography, family, health, finances, and current touring plans.
Who is Paul Merton?
July 9, 1957
Suki Webster
Yes, currently scheduled for 2025
Have I Got News for You, stand‑up comedy, improvisation, and silent‑film expertise.
- Paul Merton is a multi‑award‑winning comedian and actor.
- He is a long‑standing host on the popular panel show Have I Got News for You.
- Merton is married to comedian Suki Webster, and they also perform together on tour.
- He has a successful career in stand‑up, television, and film, making him a highly versatile entertainer.
- His work in improvisation is considered influential in the UK comedy scene.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Paul James Martin |
| Date of Birth | 9 July 1957 |
| Notable Work | Have I Got News for You, Paul Merton: The Series |
| Spouse | Suki Webster (m. 2009) |
| Primary Genre | Comedy, Improvisation |
| Net Worth | Estimated in the millions (exact figure uncertain). |
When and where is Paul Merton touring?
Current tour information for Paul Merton is not fully confirmed in the publicly available record. The official website, paulmerton.com, is the primary source for any scheduled live dates, but a verified 2025 tour listing has not been widely reported.
In 2021, Merton and his wife Suki Webster appeared in Motorhoming with Merton & Webster, a travel series in which they toured Britain in a camper van. That project, promoted through Chartwell Speakers, demonstrated his continued appetite for live and recorded work. For the most up‑to‑date appearances, fans are advised to check his official channels.
Because tour dates can change quickly, the most reliable way to find Paul Merton tickets is through his official website or verified ticket vendors. Social media accounts, such as Instagram, also post announcements.
Who is Paul Merton’s wife, Suki Webster?
Marriage to Suki Webster
Paul Merton married Suki Webster in 2009. Webster is a comedian and improviser who has performed with Merton in various shows, including the Comedy Store Players and touring productions. The couple often collaborates professionally.
Previous marriages
Merton was previously married to actress Caroline Quentin (1990–1998) and, after that, to Sarah Parkinson, who died in 2003. One source notes that Merton and Parkinson exchanged vows in the Maldives in October 2000, but it adds that this was not an official marriage.
Children
The available sources indicate that Paul Merton does not have children. Neither public records nor interviews have provided evidence of children from any of his relationships.
Merton has kept details of his family life largely private. The information above is drawn from verifiable public sources and interviews; a lack of disclosure does not confirm absence.
What is Paul Merton’s net worth and how did he achieve it?
A verified, exact net‑worth figure for Paul Merton is not publicly available. Many online outlets quote estimates in the millions, but these are not backed by official financial disclosures or reliable, attributed sources. Any specific number should be treated as unconfirmed.
Merton’s income derives from multiple streams: decades of television work on Have I Got News for You, Just a Minute, and Room 101; stand‑up tours; writing; and occasional documentary and film projects. He also earns as a keynote speaker through agencies such as Chartwell Speakers.
Numbers circulating online for Paul Merton’s net worth cannot be corroborated by the sources used in this article. Until a reputable, sourced estimate appears, such figures remain speculative.
How did Paul Merton’s career develop over time?
- 1970s – Begins his stand‑up comedy career.
- 1980s – Joins the improvisational comedy group The Comedy Store Players.
- 1990 – Becomes one of the original hosts and panelists on Have I Got News for You.
- 1991 – Launches his own show, Paul Merton: The Series.
- 2000s – Continues performing stand‑up and appears in documentaries and other shows.
- 2024–2025 – Ongoing tour commitments with Suki Webster, though specific dates remain unconfirmed in the public record.
Additional biographical details can be found via Wikipedia and IMDb.
Has Paul Merton faced any health issues?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Paul Merton has a documented history of personal troubles, including ill health and a past mental breakdown, as noted by Screenonline. | A specific, current medical diagnosis has not been publicly confirmed. No reliable source provides an update on a recent illness. |
| His health struggles have been referenced in interviews and biographical profiles over the years. | Whether Merton has fully recovered or continues to manage health issues is not detailed in the available material. |
Without a verified statement from Merton or his representatives, any claim about a current illness should be approached with caution.
Why has Paul Merton’s career been so enduring?
Merton’s longevity in comedy is tied to his mastery of improvisation and his sharp, satirical commentary. He helped shape the format of Have I Got News for You and remains a team captain after more than 30 years. Unlike many panel‑show personalities, he also maintains a strong live‑stand‑up and theatre presence.
Beyond television, Merton is a recognised authority on silent film, a subject on which he has presented documentaries. This range has allowed him to stay relevant across different media and audiences. His public persona—a blend of dry wit and genuine curiosity—has kept him in demand.
For a comparison with another comedian of similar stature, read about Ronnie Corbett – Life, Career and Legacy of a Comedy Legend.
What are the key sources of information about Paul Merton?
“Known by the stage name Paul Merton, is an English comedian, actor, broadcaster and director…”
– Wikipedia
“Paul and Suki will be back on tour September 9th to November 22nd!”
– Official website (paulmerton.com)
These sources, along with IMDb, comedy.co.uk, and the Improv Archive, provide the most reliable biographical data. The official site is the best place for current tour news, while Wikipedia offers a comprehensive career overview.
What is the key takeaway about Paul Merton?
Paul Merton remains a defining figure in British comedy, with a career that spans stand‑up, panel shows, improvisation, and film history. His personal life—marriage to Suki Webster and his past health difficulties—is partially documented, but many details, including his net worth and specific tour dates, are not fully verified. For audiences and researchers, the most authoritative sources remain the official website, Wikipedia, and reputable comedy archives. Another name from the same era of panel‑show humour is Mark Lamarr – Wife, Net Worth, Health, 2026 Driving Ban.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Paul Merton?
Paul Merton was born on 9 July 1957, making him 69 years old.
What is Paul Merton’s real name?
His birth name is Paul James Martin. He adopted the stage name Paul Merton early in his career.
Why did Paul Merton leave Have I Got News for You?
Merton has not permanently left the show. He has taken breaks for other projects but continues to appear as a team captain.
Where can I find Paul Merton tickets?
The best places are his official website (paulmerton.com) and authorised ticket sellers. Social media accounts also post announcements.
Is Paul Merton still married?
Yes, he is married to Suki Webster. They wed in 2009 and often perform together.
What is Paul Merton known for?
He is best known as a team captain on Have I Got News for You, a performer on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and as a stand‑up comedian and improv expert.
Amelia Grant is Local Government Editor at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering council decisions, regional public policy, combined authorities, planning, housing and transport.