Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Andrew Maxwell

Andrew Maxwell is an stand-up comedian and narrator, best known for providing the voiceover for the MTV reality series Ex on the Beach since its inception in 2014. Born in in 1974 to a Methodist family in the suburb of Kilbarrack, Maxwell began performing stand-up comedy in 1992, quickly establishing himself on the comedy circuit with his sharp, politically engaged style that blends social commentary and irreverent humor. Throughout his career, he has earned acclaim for specials like Yo Contraire (2019) and appearances on panel shows such as BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz, where he serves as a regular contributor, as well as hosting his own series Andrew Maxwell's Public Enemies on the same network. Maxwell gained wider public recognition in 2019 as a contestant on ITV's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, finishing in ninth place, and he continues to tour internationally with sold-out shows emphasizing his "gimmick-free" and hard-hitting material.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Andrew Maxwell was born on 3 December 1974 in , . He grew up in Kilbarrack, a working-class suburb on the northside of the city, during the 1980s amid the backdrop of political tensions related to in . Maxwell was raised in a Protestant Methodist family, one of the few such households in the predominantly Catholic area, which gave him an early sense of being different from his neighbors without feeling in conflict with them. His family emphasized verbal expression and public speaking; both grandfathers were lay preachers, and his father worked as a organizer, continuing a family tradition of activism traced back to Scottish roots in . This environment nurtured a supportive atmosphere for creative pursuits, as his parents encouraged his interests when he expressed a desire to enter as a teenager. From a young age, Maxwell displayed a curious and humorous personality, often entertaining relatives with unusual facts and observations, such as details about historical figures, which amused and puzzled his family. This early exposure to humor was shaped by cultural dynamics, including the blend of political awareness in his household and the vibrant local traditions. His decision to pursue comedy was influenced by the emerging comedy scene in the early 1990s, where he found inspiration amid a growing wave of stand-up talent.

Education and initial interests

Andrew Maxwell attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School, a pioneering co-educational institution in Clontarf, Dublin, established in 1972 as Ireland's first comprehensive school with a progressive ethos emphasizing inclusivity, creativity, and a multi-denominational environment without uniforms. The school, which fostered an open and tolerant atmosphere blending Catholic and Protestant students, counted members of the band among its notable alumni from earlier years, contributing to its reputation for nurturing artistic talent. At Mount Temple, Maxwell was an average academic performer who often failed to apply himself fully, preferring instead to engage as a wisecracking whose quick wit frequently disrupted lessons, though the school's creative culture tolerated and even encouraged such behavior. His interests leaned toward extracurricular pursuits that highlighted his performative side, including opportunities at the school where he tested early comedic material among peers. These amateur performances, supported by teachers who recognized his talent, marked the initial spark for his passion in the . Maxwell's early hobbies reflected a broad curiosity, particularly in reading and sharing historical facts—such as endless anecdotes about figures like Mussolini—which amused his family and hinted at the observational bent that would shape his later work. Growing up in a supportive Protestant household in Kilbarrack, , he received encouragement from relatives who appreciated his inquisitive nature.

Career

Beginnings in stand-up comedy

Andrew Maxwell began his career in 1992 at the age of 17, performing his first set at the in The International Bar, . Inspired by influential Irish acts like Mr Trellis—comprising Barry Murphy, Ardal O’Hanlon, and Kevin Gildea—he quickly progressed from school-based open mics at , which helped cultivate his confident stage presence. In the early years, Maxwell honed his craft through gigs in small venues, including the pub-hosted , where he developed a routine centered on and explorations of Irish identity. These performances often drew from his observations of everyday life , blending sharp with philosophical undertones to engage audiences in the emerging local scene. Seeking broader opportunities, Maxwell relocated to in the mid-1990s at age 19, crashing on fellow comedian Ed Byrne's couch while immersing himself in the competitive comedy circuit. He faced initial challenges with audience reception, particularly at venues like , where crowds favored lighthearted, laddish humor over his more political and introspective material, contributing to financial instability during this formative phase. Despite these hurdles, the move allowed him to refine his style amid the vibrant but demanding environment of 's stand-up scene.

Television and panel show appearances

Maxwell made his debut on British television in 1995 as a reporter on Two's The Sunday Show, which marked his entry into the UK TV scene following his early stand-up experiences. He gained prominence as a regular panelist on the satirical The Panel on , appearing from 2003 to 2011 alongside comedians such as , , and Colin Murphy. The program, produced by Happy Endings Productions, featured ensemble discussions on current events, showcasing Maxwell's quick-witted commentary in a collaborative format. Maxwell has made numerous guest appearances on prominent British panel shows, including in 2006, , Have I Got News for You, and , with a notable episode of the latter in 2024. These roles highlighted his ability to deliver sharp humor within ensemble settings, often drawing on topical . In reality television, Maxwell participated in the 2019 series of ITV's I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, where he lasted 15 days and finished in 11th place. Earlier, in 2004, he won Channel 4's Kings of Comedy as the "King of Comedy," competing against established and emerging stand-ups in a live performance format. In recent years, Maxwell has continued to appear on political panel shows, including episodes of BBC Radio 4's in 2023, 2024, and 2025, where he provided commentary on current events alongside guests like and . These appearances underscore his ongoing engagement with satirical takes on and .

Stand-up tours and specials

Andrew Maxwell gained prominence in the stand-up circuit through his performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he was nominated for the (formerly known as the ) in 2007 for his show Waxin', earning recognition as a cult favorite for his sharp, irreverent style. His early tours in the 2000s, including runs through UK theaters and festivals, established him as a reliable draw for audiences seeking provocative humor, often blending personal anecdotes with broader societal observations. Over the years, Maxwell's comedic style evolved toward incisive social and political commentary, moving from observational stand-up to more confrontational explorations of topics like , , and cultural clashes, which he described as a deliberate shift to engage with global issues through humor. This maturation culminated in his 2019 stand-up special Yo Contraire, recorded after his marriage to a Muslim , where he tackled , , and with a mix of optimism and critique, drawing on over two decades of experience. In recent years, Maxwell has continued touring with shows that reflect his polished, anecdote-driven approach, including The Bare Maximum at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, a well-crafted hour praised for its and competence in delivery, performed at Just the Tonic Nucleus. He expanded internationally in 2025, appearing at the Comedy Festival in October, where he navigated the event's controversial context with his signature commentary on and global tensions. Earlier that year, he performed at the Altitude Comedy Festival in , , in March, co-founding the event in 2007 as a platform blending with comedy. Maxwell has also hosted Fullmooners, a long-running late-night series since the early , initially at the Edinburgh Fringe and later touring venues, serving as a showcase for emerging talent with a mix of stand-up, , and mayhem to foster new voices in the industry. His television appearances have occasionally amplified attendance at these live tours, providing crossover appeal to broader audiences.

Narration and radio work

Andrew Maxwell has been the narrator for MTV's reality series Ex on the Beach since its premiere in 2014, providing commentary with his distinctive Irish accent across more than ten seasons. His wry and humorous delivery has become a signature element of the show, enhancing its dramatic interpersonal conflicts among cast members in exotic locations. In the 2010s, Maxwell hosted BBC Radio 4's , a series that connected international stand-up performers with a audience via technology, running for multiple episodes from 2016 to 2019. He has also made regular appearances as a panelist on BBC Radio 4's , contributing satirical takes on current events in episodes as recent as 2025. Additionally, Maxwell served as a guest on in 2019, where he donated a of an old gypsy to the fictional museum. Since 2023, Maxwell has co-hosted the weekly Eejits of the World alongside Glenn , exploring absurd news stories, phenomena, and global "eejit" behavior in a humorous as of 2025. The show, which draws on their stand-up backgrounds to sharpen vocal timing and wit, releases episodes every Wednesday and has garnered attention for its irreverent commentary on contemporary culture. Through his representation by United Agents for voice work, Maxwell has provided narration for commercials, branded campaigns, and audiobooks, including recordings of his own radio series available on platforms like Audible. His versatile timbre has been utilized in various audio formats, building on skills honed through years of live .

Personal life

Marriage and family

Andrew Maxwell married Suraya El-Wakil, an national of Muslim heritage, in 2015. The couple has four children, with the first three born between 2016 and 2019. Their fourth child, a , was born in July 2021. Maxwell has balanced his extensive stand-up touring schedule with family responsibilities, often drawing on his experiences as a to inform his routines. In performances following the birth of his children, he has shared personal anecdotes about across different stages of his children's lives, avoiding clichéd material in favor of unique family dynamics.

Interests and relocation

Maxwell has maintained a lifelong allegiance to Football Club, participating in charity events to support the team and its fans, including a 2019 stand-up show at the M&S Bank Arena to aid Seán Cox, a devoted Liverpool supporter injured during the 2018 final. His personal interests extend to , shaped by his extensive international comedy tours and ambassadorship for The Gathering in 2013, during which he promoted and shared experiences like reading John Steinbeck's on holiday. Maxwell also pursues reading on , , and , viewing these subjects as sources of and that fuel his comedic perspective, as he expressed in a 2014 interview. In 2025, after over 20 years based in , Maxwell relocated back to , a move he discussed in interviews highlighting cultural contrasts, such as the surprise his return elicited among locals regarding his preserved Irish accent. This decision was influenced by family considerations and a desire to reconnect with his Irish roots. While Maxwell has no major philanthropic endeavors, he has occasionally supported Irish initiatives through performances at events like the Comedy Festival.

References

  1. [1]
    Andrew Maxwell - British Comedy Guide
    Andrew Maxwell is an Irish stand-up comedian recognisable as the narrator of the long-running MTV series Ex On The Beach and as a regular on The News Quiz.
  2. [2]
    Who is Andrew Maxwell? I'm a Celebrity 2019 comedian's age, wife ...
    Nov 27, 2019 · Andrew was born in 1974 and celebrates his 45th birthday in 2019. He was born into a Methodist family in Kilbarrack, Dublin. He was educated at ...
  3. [3]
    Meet Andrew Maxwell – the Irish comedian doing I'm a Celebrity 2019
    Andrew Maxwell is a comedian from Dublin, Ireland, who started his career doing stand-up gigs back in 1992, gaining enough of a following to bag some TV ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  4. [4]
    Andrew Maxwell - IMDb
    Andrew Maxwell is known for Andrew Maxwell: Yo Contraire (2019), Ex on the Beach (2014) and Comedy Cuts (2007). More at IMDbPro · Contact info · Agent info.
  5. [5]
    Andrew Maxwell | Blue Book Artist Management
    Renowned for his cutting edge comedy and intrepid social commentary, Andrew has appeared on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, he is also the recognisable ...
  6. [6]
    Andrew Maxwell On Tour - Official Website
    A brilliantly accomplished stand-up with a powerhouse, gimmick-free set that's hard-hitting and hilarious, politically engaged but not soapboxing.
  7. [7]
    Andrew Maxwell - Comedy CV
    Maxwell was raised in Kilbarrack in the Northside of Dublin, where The Commitments film was set and Bono went to school. As one of the few Protestant families ...
  8. [8]
    Andrew Maxwell - On The Mic Podcast
    Andrew Maxwell is a chatty man – he talks at speed – but he's both funny and informed. He riffs on the weighty subjects of Scottish Independence, ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  9. [9]
    Mount Temple Comprehensive School - Schooldays.ie
    Dublin's pioneering co-educational comprehensive - fostering creative expression and progressive education in a diverse, inclusive community.Missing: progressive | Show results with:progressive
  10. [10]
    'Imagine what it was like when I was high on testosterone' | Irish ...
    Jan 7, 2014 · Comedian Andrew Maxwell hasn't changed that much since his school days. So, with his new tour of Ireland about to kick off, he explains his U2 connection.Missing: Comprehensive | Show results with:Comprehensive
  11. [11]
    Andrew Maxwell opens up | Hotpress
    Oct 9, 2009 · ... Temple, the school he shared with U2, working with other Irish comedians on The Panel and the trials and tribulations of life as a working comic ...Missing: early | Show results with:early
  12. [12]
    Howl at the moon on Halloween night with Andrew Maxwell and ...
    Considering he attended Mount Temple Comprehensive secondary school during his teens it is hardly surprising he chose such a path. The Clontarf multi- ...
  13. [13]
    Mount Temple Comprehensive School
    ... sport and music are an important part of Mount Temple life. Students are ... Andrew Maxwell - Comedian; Alan Maybury - Irish football international ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  14. [14]
    Who is Andrew Maxwell, is the I'm A Celeb star married and which ...
    Nov 25, 2019 · Who is I'm A Celeb's Andrew Maxwell? Born in Dublin on December 3, 1975, Andrew began his stand-up career in 1992 at The International Comedy ...
  15. [15]
    Not a dry eye in the Maxwell house - The Irish Times
    Aug 27, 2011 · He moved to London at the age of 19, sleeping on the couch of his fellow comic Ed Byrne and throwing himself on to the London comedy circuit.
  16. [16]
    The Sunday Show (TV Series 1995–1997) - IMDb
    Rating 8/10 (47) Self - Guest. 1 ep 1 episode • 1995. Andrew Maxwell · Self - Reporter. 1 ep 1 episode • 1995. Michael J. Fox · Self - Guest. 1 ep 1 episode • 1996.
  17. [17]
    The Panel (TV Series 2003– ) - IMDb
    Rating 8.2/10 (143) The Panel: With Dara Ó Briain, Neil Delamere, Colin Murphy, Andrew Maxwell. Irish talk show that was produced by Happy Endings Productions for RTÉ.
  18. [18]
    "Never Mind the Buzzcocks" Episode #19.4 (TV Episode 2006) - IMDb
    Rating 7.8/10 (25) Never Mind the Buzzcocks. S19.E4. All episodesAll · Cast & crew · User reviews ... Andrew Maxwell · Self · Chas McDevitt · Self - Mystery Guest · Alex Pennie.
  19. [19]
    BBC Two - QI, Series Q, Quiet
    Sandi Toksvig calls for a bit of quiet with Alan Davies, Jimmy Carr, Andrew Maxwell and Sara Pascoe. Available now 29 minutesMissing: 2024 | Show results with:2024
  20. [20]
    Kings of Comedy (TV Series 2004) - IMDb
    Eight comedians - four old school names and four newer stand-ups - live and work together 24 hours a day, preparing to perform on stage each night.
  21. [21]
    BBC Radio 4 LW - Schedules, 12 - 18 February 2024
    Feb 18, 2024 · The News Quiz—Series 113, Episode 7. 7/10 Zoe Lyons, Andrew Maxwell, Rachel Parris, and Danny Finkelstein join Andy Zaltzman. 12:57. Weather ...
  22. [22]
    Andrew Maxwell 2007 Best Comedy Show Nominee
    By 2007 this Irish comedian had become a cult festival favourite at the Fringe and another vintage effort was rewarded by this nomination. Already a big hit in ...
  23. [23]
    Andrew Maxwell | Edinburgh festival 2007 | The Guardian
    Aug 24, 2007 · Indeed, in 2004 he won Channel 4's King of Comedy title as much for being nice about his competitors as for his act. "How you all doing?" he ...Missing: Kings | Show results with:Kings
  24. [24]
    Andrew Maxwell, comedian tour dates - Chortle
    Andrew Maxwell. Date of birth: 30-11-1973. Dublin-born stand-up – and part of the I'm A Celebrity.
  25. [25]
    https://www.chortle.co.uk/comics/a/74/andrew_maxwell
  26. [26]
    Edinburgh festival 2014 review: Andrew Maxwell ... - The Guardian
    Aug 12, 2014 · The spiky Irish comic adds much-needed political bite to this year's fringe with a tenacious show that pulls apart the arguments over Scotland's imminent ...Missing: evolution social
  27. [27]
    Andrew Maxwell: Yo Contraire (TV Special 2019) - IMDb
    Rating 6.2/10 (23) Andrew Maxwell: Yo Contraire. TV Special; 2019 · TV-MA; 1h 12m. IMDb RATING. 6.2/10. 23. YOUR RATING. Rate. Andrew Maxwell: Yo Contraire (2019).
  28. [28]
    Andrew Maxwell: Yo Contraire - Comedy Dynamics
    Newly wedded to his muslim wife, in Yo Contraire Maxwell's takes on culture, religion and immigration are worth watching. 72. Comedy · Stand Up. Jan 18, 2019.
  29. [29]
    Review: Andrew Maxwell: The Bare Maximum - Fest
    Aug 7, 2024 · Edinburgh Fringe 2024 | Comedy | Well-crafted and slickly delivered hour. The Bare Maximum is now performing at Just the Tonic Nucleus.
  30. [30]
    Andrew Maxwell plays Riyadh Comedy Festival : News 2025 - Chortle
    Oct 8, 2025 · Andrew Maxwell has become the latest British-based comic to play the controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival, Chortle can reveal.
  31. [31]
    I Watched Stand-Up in Saudi Arabia - The Atlantic
    Oct 16, 2025 · On the plane home to London I spotted Andrew Maxwell, who had warmed up for Carr and C.K. He and I have appeared on British radio together ...
  32. [32]
    Altitude Comedy Festival
    Altitude is the multi-award-winning week long comedy festival set in the glorious Austrian Alps. The Festival will take place 30th March - 3rd April 2026.Line-up 2026 · FAQs · Booking · Contact
  33. [33]
    10 Minutes With Andrew Maxwell & Marcus Brigstocke - InTheSnow
    the ultimate ski and comedy festival in Mayrhofen, Austria.
  34. [34]
    Maxwell's Fullmooners - British Comedy Guide
    Aug 14, 2011 · The UK's No.1 late show. Unstoppable comedy force Andrew Maxwell presents everyone's favourite late night show, Fullmooners.
  35. [35]
    Maxwell's Full Mooners : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide
    Reviews. Maxwell's Full Mooners. Description This is the UK's most talked about late night comedy show, hosted by the award-winning comic Andrew Maxwell.
  36. [36]
    Monumental, Series 1 - Andrew Maxwell - BBC One
    Double Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee (2007 & 2011) Andrew is one of the most respected and applauded comics of his generation. Known for his cutting edge ...Missing: tours Perrier
  37. [37]
    BBC Radio 4 - Welcome to Wherever You Are
    Andrew Maxwell hosts some of the best stand-ups in the world, using modern technology to connect them with a studio audience in London, no matter where they ...
  38. [38]
    Welcome To Wherever You Are - Radio 4 Stand-Up
    A guide to Welcome To Wherever You Are, the 2016 - 2019 BBC Radio 4 radio stand-up. Andrew Maxwell presents some of the best stand-ups from outside the UK.
  39. [39]
    BBC Radio 4 - The Museum of Curiosity, Series 14, Episode 5
    John Lloyd and Bridget Christie welcome Andrew Maxwell, medical historian Dr Lindsey Fitzharris and Celia Imrie. From 2019. Show more.
  40. [40]
    The Museum Of Curiosity: Gallery 14, Episode 5 - Meeting Eighty ...
    The latest people to donate to Gallery 14 are comedian Andrew Maxwell, actor Celia Imrie and medicinal historian Lindsey Fitzharris. Further details. Celia ...
  41. [41]
    Eejits of the World - Apple Podcasts
    Rating 4.9 (39) Every Wednesday Andrew Maxwell and Glenn Wool scour the news, the internet, and sometimes by looking in the mirror to bring you the latest from the world of ...
  42. [42]
    Welcome to Wherever You Are: Series 1 and 2: A BBC Radio Comedy
    Sep 22, 2022 · Andrew Maxwell hosts the comedy show featuring stand-ups from all over the planet streaming live to an audience in London
  43. [43]
    https://podscan.fm/podcasts/eejits-of-the-world
  44. [44]
    https://open.spotify.com/show/2jErQdAEZxraAzYsLFWbLp
  45. [45]
    Who is Andrew Maxwell's wife and how many children do the couple ...
    Dec 2, 2019 · ... Andrew Maxwell is an Irish comedian and narrator who married Suraya El-Wakil. Who is Andrew Maxwell's wife? Andrew Maxwell married a Muslim ...
  46. [46]
    https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Andrew+Maxwell
  47. [47]
    John Bishop announces Liverpool comedy show in support of Seán ...
    Dec 6, 2019 · Bishop will be joined on stage by a fantastic comedy line-up* including Jo Brand, Jo Caulfield, Neil Fitzmaurice, Jason Manford, Andrew Maxwell, ...
  48. [48]
    Andrew Maxwell interview - Giggle Beats
    Clever, cutting Irish stand-up Andrew Maxwell returned from a 12th year at Glastonbury and spoke to us about the brilliance of the Edinburgh Fringe.
  49. [49]
    Andrew Maxwell on Coming Home to Ireland After 20 ... - YouTube
    in England, nobody cares. But back home?<|control11|><|separator|>
  50. [50]
    Andrew Maxwell - Galway Comedy Festival
    Maxwell's comedic mix of the personal and the political has long made him a hit in his native Ireland, as well as in Britain, where he is now based.