Comedian Babatunde Aléshé: ‘My biggest regret? Not having therapy in my 20s’

Comedian and podcaster Babatunde Aléshé is one of the rising stars of British comedy. He swung into the I’m A Celebrity… jungle in 2022 and has been climbing ever since. As well as appearances on Taskmaster, Celebrity Gogglebox (with Mo Gilligan) and Live at the Apollo, he’s become a familiar face on panel shows like Would I Lie to You and The Last Leg.

Ahead of a new tour, Aléshé takes on Big Issue’s Big Questions, paying tribute to his comedy inspiration Eddie Murphy and explaining why knife crime is his big issue.

What was the biggest defining event of your youth?

I would say jumping on stage at the age of 17 to do stand up. I was really young and didn’t know myself at all but I knew I had a gift and wanted to make people laugh. The show was at the Croydon Library for Upfront Comedy club, run by John Simmit. This event changed my life!

What were your big influences?

I was always funny as a child but the moment I watched Eddie Murphy’s Delirious comedy hour on VHS (showing my age) I knew exactly what I wanted to do for a living! I’ve always wanted a career just like his, without the singing though! Also Mo Gilligan as he’s helped me loads with bringing me on tour and featuring on Gogglebox.

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Who was the biggest artist for you growing up?

Growing up Eminem was definitely the biggest artist around. ‘Hi my name is’ was big in my school because my friends would swap the ‘Slim Shady’ part for my name. The Slim Shady LP was massive because you knew as a child you shouldn’t be listening to it but Eminem was extremely funny.

What contemporary artist are you a big fan of?

At the moment I’m a huge fan of Ghetts and Bashy. Both artists released incredible albums last year which I bought on vinyl, which is my way of saying I’m a huge fan of their work.

What big film has stayed with you?

Coming to America will always be the funniest film I’ve watched as a child, and still as an adult. It’s a timeless classic! It also my me feel proud being African.

What TV show was the biggest one in your household growing up?

Red Dwarf was massive in my house growing up. My mum and sister enjoyed watching it all the time. Also Absolutely Fabulous was big in our house too!

What was the big political issue you remember from your youth?

The recession. This impacted working class areas as less funding was given to boroughs/towns where crime was high. Loads of youth clubs shut down which left teens on the streets with nowhere to hang out which then spiralled into more gangs forming.

What do you see as being your biggest success?

My biggest success has to be my two children. If it wasn’t for them life wouldn’t be worth living. Everything I do is for my family!

What was the moment when it felt like you’d hit the big time?

I would have to say taking part in I’m a Celebrity… 2022. That was huge for my career and turned me into a household name. Amazing campmates and experience.

Biggest regret?

My biggest regret is not doing therapy when I was in my 20s as I see the benefits of doing it in my late 30s. I wish I had done it earlier in my life.

What is your current big issue?

The increase in knife crimes is a big one for me as it impacts areas I used to live in. Places that hold a dear place in my heart coming from a working-class background I feel more needs to be done to take weapons off our streets and improve living standards.

What is your big idea to save the world?

Laughter. Laughter heals everything.

Is there a person or organisation creating positive change you want to give a big shout out to?

I’d like to give a massive shoutout to Faz-amnesty! This organisation is run by my friend Faron Alex Paul, who I went to school with. He is actively taking knives off the streets across the UK to reduce and prevent knife crime.

Biggest dream – and have you achieved it?

I’ve achieved my dream of being a comedian and becoming a father and husband. However I would love to use my gift of stand up to help challenge the morals of society to open up conversation about what it means to live right.

The Capital XTRA Comedy Club takes place from 7:30pm on 6 March at Lola’s at The Hippodrome, London, with all proceeds going towards Global’s Make Some Noise, Capital XTRA’s official charity. Babatunde Aléshé: High Expectations, a 48-date headline tour, begins on 20 September.

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