Frank Skinner

Frank Skinner
Skinner in 2020
Birth name	Christopher Graham Collins
Born	(1957-01-28) 28 January 1957 West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England
Medium	Radio, stand-up, television
Education	Birmingham Polytechnic (BA) University of Warwick (MA)
Years active	1987–present
Genres	Blue comedy, musical comedy, observational comedy
Children	1

Biography

Frank Skinner is a British comedian, writer, television and radio presenter, known for his quick wit, affable charm, and longevity in the world of entertainment. He was born Christopher Graham Collins on January 28, 1957, in West Bromwich, England. He adopted the stage name “Frank Skinner” in tribute to a 1950s footballer and to create a more memorable persona.

Skinner grew up in a working-class Roman Catholic family and was the youngest of four children. He earned a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Warwick and worked as a lecturer before trying his hand at stand-up comedy in the late 1980s. His big break came in 1991 when he won the prestigious Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

In the 1990s, Skinner became a household name through his comedy partnership with David Baddiel. Together they co-hosted Fantasy Football League, a pioneering show mixing football, comedy, and celebrity interviews. They also co-wrote and performed the enduring football anthem “Three Lions” (with The Lightning Seeds), which became a major cultural touchstone in England.

Skinner hosted his own popular ITV talk show, The Frank Skinner Show, from 1995 to 2005, known for its blend of irreverence and warmth. He has also been a successful radio presenter, fronting an award-winning show on Absolute Radio since 2009.

Beyond comedy, Skinner is a keen writer, having published autobiographies and columns, often reflecting on his working-class roots, struggles with addiction, and Catholic faith. He has also performed in Shakespeare productions and continues to tour as a stand-up.

Frank Skinner remains a beloved figure in British entertainment—valued for his intelligence, humility, and unique ability to mix the cerebral with the silly. His career is marked by reinvention, resilience, and enduring public affection.

Music (likes)

BBC's Desert Island Discs (2010)

• Der Hölle Rache (from The Magic Flute) – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Ready Teddy – Elvis Presley
• The Volunteer Organist – Benjamin Luxon
• Back Home – 1970 World Cup Squad
• Ring Of Fire – Johnny Cash
• Neon Lights – Kraftwerk
• Why Don't Women Like Me? – George Formby
• Rowche Rumble – The Fall