In the autumn of 1988, Sue Perkins, a student at New College, Cambridge University, got onto a stage for her first ever stand up routine. She was interrupted by a girl called Mel Giedroyc, marking the the start of a double act that would last 17 years.

Sue became president of the Cambridge Footlights in 1990, taking over from Henry Naylor, and in 1993 was shortlisted (with Mel) for the Daily Express Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Festival.

After a few years writing for French & Saunders they hosted a lunchtime show on Channel 4 called Light Lunch, and an teatime version, Late Lunch, as well as breakfast show RI:SE

On her own, Perkins appeared in Celebrity Big Brother in 2002 on Have I Got News For You, Room 101, Celebrity Weakest Link, Question Time and Newsnight on TV; and The News Quiz and Just A Minute on Radio 4. She also chaired the Radio 4 panel game 99p Challenge.

In 2005, she premiered her first one woman show at the Edinburgh Fringe, which then toured the county.

Sue Perkins is about as funny as being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Her factual programs on BBC are not particularly interesting, nor does the fact that she's a 'comedienne' enhance their viewing experience. Her performances on various panel shows are limited and dull, demonstrating the same comic prowess that one can expect to hear from participating in any normal conversation with a socially inept, self righteous, upper middle class inbred. Another example of someone whose career would never have progressed were it not for her association with the Cambridge Footlights.

Chris, April 2011

The BBC has a diversity quota to fill. Sue Perkins fills the slot reserved for comedy lesbians. She doesn't have to be anything more than predictably amusing as her place is assured. Viewers will just have to grit their teeth when she takes the place of a real comedian on shows like QI or HIGNFY. Fortunately her attention-seeking needs are being sated by a vacuous cake-making challenge at the moment so we can breathe easy for a while.

Deborah R, November 2010

Smug shit, delivered by a person who should be working in a shop.

kevin, September 2009

I think Dave Evans and Tom Smith must be thinking of a different Sue Perkins from the one whose work I admire! Relieved to see the other two comments, otherwise I might have been tempted to think it was a gender thing! She is versatile, intelligent, and so very very sharp. I have been a fan of hers for years, and I am thrilled to see her getting the plaudits and attention she deserves. In fact I hope this means that she will now pull out of the 'celeb' circuit so that she can concentrate more on her own unique style and delivery

Elaine, September 2008

Disagree with the last two comments - incredibly smart yet down to earth; insightful without being smug; empathetic and tender without being sentimental. I've seen some amazing comics, also on here - Amstell, Izzard etc. and Perkins tops the bill.

Michael Amherst, September 2008

If you are looking for comedy with depth and intelligence that would beat her, you can probably find some in nursery. She is useless.

Dave Evans, August 2008

She is really bad, if she hadn't been to Cambridge she would be nowhere. She is not funny in the slightest, she is terrible

Tom Smith, August 2008

Saw her at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2006 and promptly got tickets for the same show later in the year - she's that good. Smart, insightful, empathetic. There's pathos in her show too. If you want a series of swift one-liners you maybe disappointed. If you like comedy with depth and intelligence I'd like to know who can beat her.

Mike, September 2007