EXCLUSIVE: He’s one of our most successful comedians and presenters, but as funnyman Rob Beckett admits, he’s had to fight his demons in the past
Funnyman Rob Beckett is an instant ray of sunshine when we meet in London to chat about all things comedy, parenting and of course, his bestie Josh Widdicombe – who’s just bagged one of the top jobs on Strictly.
Celebrity Traitors, which we’ll see Rob – who is backing a new campaign about Britain’s weirdest morning habits with Holiday Inn Express – star in with another good pal, Romesh Ranganathan, this autumn, is off the table as the BBC would “never speak to him again”, he laughs..
Here, the 40-year-old, who has two daughters with wife Lou, a former history teacher, opens up about embracing that he’s “a bit weird ” and how he’s finally rid himself of the imposter syndrome that plagued him for years…
How are you and the family?
Good. My girls are eight and 10 – perfect age. They can do more for themselves, but they’re not at that moody teen phase. That’s why I’m looking to not be as busy for a while. My career’s given me a wonderful life. Sometimes it’s a hard graft, sometimes a laugh, but I’ve been taken away from the family a lot. So going forward it’s getting into a routine, so the girls know where Dad is.
If they went into showbiz eventually, how would you feel?
As long as they’re happy and inspired, I’ll support them. But there are easier ways to make a living, and you’ve got all those egos. I’d support them regardless, but I’m not going to push them that way.
What’s the secret to your relationship with Lou?
We have a lot of fun, and we’re always there for each other, in good or bad. We’ve had it both, where I had no money when I started out and Lou paid for everything, then I became the breadwinner. Now it’s Lou’s time to focus on the career, and I step back slightly. Also Lou is very direct, which I like, because I can’t be direct.
Your bestie Josh Widdicombe got the Strictly job! Did you know earlier than us?
I knew he was going into London for “meetings”. But I was filming Celebrity Traitors, it was only after I came out that I found out that he’d got it. I’m so happy for him. Josh is genuinely a really good person and very honest and enthusiastic. He and his family all love Strictly, so he doesn’t have to fake that. He’ll be perfect.
Were you in the running?
No, but the timing wasn’t quite right anyway. I’d just finished a massive tour, my wife’s got a new book out. I’m trying to not add more to the diary. If I’d been offered it, I’d have had a serious think. But no, I’m just buzzing for Josh.
Your podcast, Parenting Hell, must be a lot of fun…
It’s such a joy. People love it and with Josh, now we’re genuinely good mates, we naturally just bounce off each other. Some of the stuff we talk about is unhinged. It’s the real conversations that you may have with your workmate when you’re going on a coffee run. Basically, no matter who you are, everyone’s quite weird doing weird stuff.
Do you think you’re quite weird, too?
I do. I think it’s good to be quite weird. Everyone’s slightly off the wall, but not everyone shows it. Katherine Ryan’s mum said a great thing. Katherine came home from school and said, “Mum, I just want to be normal like the other girls.” Her mum said, “Honey, those b*****s are ordinary. You don’t want to be like them.” I love that. So I’m very happy to be a bit weird.
You’ve struggled with imposter syndrome…
I’m at a point where I just don’t overthink it. Before, I’d overthink it all the time, have constant negative spiralling thoughts. Obviously, you have your moments but you can clock them. It would be false humility to go, “I can’t believe where I am now.” Actually, I’ve worked really hard for 15 years. Whether I deserve it or not, or if I’m talented or not, this is what it is, so just enjoy it.
You’re involved in the Great Wake Up Debate with Holiday Inn Express, tell us more…
Yeah, it’s brilliant. It’s about how everyone is stuck in their ways. Is there a right way to start the day? There’s people out there that put milk in the bowl first for cereal. It’s all these quirky habits that people have and how important routine can be.
What’s your own morning routine like?
I try to get up before the kids, which is like 6:30am. If they get up before you, they’re mentally switched on first. It’s like being in a prison cell when your cell mate’s looming over you. If you’re up first, you’re ready to defend. I’m just sitting there like a zombie, trying to survive. I’m certainly not a morning person.
Holiday Inn Express and Rob Beckett are settling The Great Wake Up Debate, uncovering the morning habits people refuse to compromise on. From blackout curtains and pillow preference to hot or cold breakfasts, Holiday Inn Express is helping guests wake up ready for whatever the day brings. Join in the debate by visiting youtube.com/@HIExpress, and to book your next stay, visit ihg.com/holidayinnexpress.
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