Richard Herring is an English stand-up comedian, writer, podcaster, and author who has been a fixture of British comedy for over three decades. He first gained widespread recognition as one half of the influential double act Lee and Herring alongside Stewart Lee, and later built a substantial solo career through stand-up tours, books, and a long-running podcast.
Born in Yorkshire in 1967, Herring studied history at Oxford University, where he met Lee and began a partnership that would define a generation of alternative comedy. After the duo split, he reinvented himself repeatedly, eventually reaching a new, younger audience through his appearance on the hit show Taskmaster.
Today, Herring remains remarkably active, producing daily content through his blog, podcast, and live performances. His story is one of adaptability, longevity, and a consistent commitment to thoughtful, often provocative comedy.
Who Is Richard Herring? Biography and Early Life
12 July 1967 (age 57)
Comedian, writer, podcaster
Lee and Herring, Taskmaster, RHLSTP podcast
Catie Wilkins (m. 2012)
- Richard Herring’s career spans over 30 years, from the alternative comedy scene of the 1990s with Stewart Lee to his current status as a prolific podcaster and solo performer.
- He gained a new wave of popularity through his appearance on the TV show Taskmaster, introducing him to a younger audience.
- His podcast network, especially RHLSTP (Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast), is a key platform for long-form comedy interviews.
- Herring is also a self-described “self-playing snookerist” and maintains a strong digital presence through daily blogs and social media.
- He studied history at Oxford University, where he met Stewart Lee and performed with the Oxford Revue.
- After the duo split, he built a long solo career in stand-up, writing, and podcasting, including concept shows like Talking Cock, Hitler Moustache, and Christ on a Bike.
- He appeared as a contestant on Taskmaster series 10 and won that series, along with the Champion of Champions special.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Keith Herring |
| Date of Birth | 12 July 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Pocklington, Yorkshire, England |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) — unconfirmed |
| Spouse | Catie Wilkins (married 2012) |
| Notable Collaboration | Stewart Lee (Lee and Herring) |
| Flagship Podcast | RHLSTP (Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed; estimates vary widely |
What Is Richard Herring Best Known For? Lee and Herring, Taskmaster, and Podcasting
Herring’s career can be divided into several distinct phases, each contributing to his reputation as one of the most resilient figures in British comedy. The foundation was laid during his years at Oxford University, where he met Stewart Lee and formed the double act that would become Lee and Herring.
Lee and Herring: The Duo Years
The partnership between Herring and Stewart Lee began at Oxford and quickly became a defining collaboration in British alternative comedy. Together, they worked on stage, radio, and television, including shows such as On The Hour, Fist of Fun, Lionel Nimrod’s Inexplicable World, and This Morning with Richard Not Judy. Their work was characterised by surreal, intelligent humour that often challenged conventional comedic structures.
Solo Career and Stand-Up
After the duo split, Herring built a long solo career that included concept-driven stand-up shows like Talking Cock, Hitler Moustache, and Christ on a Bike. These shows were often provocative, tackling sensitive topics with a mix of intellectual rigour and absurdity. He also wrote for television and maintained a daily blog, which became a significant part of his online presence.
Taskmaster: A New Audience
Herring appeared as a contestant on Taskmaster series 10 and won that series, along with the Champion of Champions special. This exposure introduced him to a younger, broader audience and reaffirmed his place in the modern comedy landscape. His performance on the show was widely praised for its wit and strategic thinking.
Podcasting: RHLSTP
Herring is especially known for Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (RHLSTP), which has become a major part of his later career. The podcast features long-form interviews with a wide range of guests, from comedians to actors to writers, and has built a loyal following. It is a key platform for his sustained relevance in the digital age.
Herring’s transition from 1990s TV comedy to independent podcasting is a notable example of career adaptation. RHLSTP now functions as a central hub for his work, complementing his live shows and daily blogging.
Who Is Richard Herring’s Wife? Personal Life
Richard Herring has been married to Catie Wilkins since 7 April 2012. Wilkins is a comedian and writer, and the couple have two children together. The marriage is one of the few personal details Herring has publicly discussed, though he generally maintains a degree of privacy around his family life.
Information about his net worth remains unconfirmed. No reliable, source-backed figure exists in the public domain, and various online estimates vary widely. As such, any reported net worth figure should be treated as speculative.
Herring’s height and net worth are not officially recorded. The height of approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) is based on visual comparison and is not confirmed. No authoritative source provides a verified net worth figure.
What Books Has Richard Herring Written? Bibliography
Herring has published several books, including autobiographical works such as How Not To Grow Up. His writing often reflects the same themes as his stand-up—self-deprecating, observational, and intellectually playful. A full, chronological list of his publications is not widely consolidated, but his books are available through major retailers and his official site.
Is Richard Herring Still Performing? Current Activities
Yes, Richard Herring continues to perform. He tours regularly, produces new episodes of RHLSTP, and maintains a daily blog. His output remains consistent, with no signs of a career decline. Upcoming tour dates and podcast episodes can be found on his official website.
Timeline of Richard Herring’s Career
- 1967 — Born in Pocklington, Yorkshire
- Late 1980s — Met Stewart Lee at Oxford University; formed comedy partnership
- 1990–1993 — Lee and Herring radio shows on BBC Radio 1
- 1994–1996 — TV series: Fist of Fun, This Morning with Richard Not Judy
- 2000s — Solo stand-up tours, writing for TV, blog
- 2012 — Married Catie Wilkins
- 2010–present — RHLSTP podcast established, extensive interview series
- 2020 — Appeared on Taskmaster (Series 10)
- 2024–2025 — Continues touring, podcasting, and daily blogging
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth, marriage, major career events (Lee and Herring, Taskmaster, RHLSTP) | Net worth (no official disclosure, estimates vary from £500k to £3M) |
| Studied at Oxford University, met Stewart Lee there | Height (not officially recorded; estimated based on visual comparison) |
| Married to Catie Wilkins since 2012 | Detailed childhood biography beyond birth in Yorkshire |
Why Richard Herring Remains Relevant in 2025
Herring’s sustained relevance is a result of several strategic factors. His successful pivot from 1990s TV comedy to independent podcasting has allowed him to maintain creative control and a direct connection with his audience. His appearance on Taskmaster brought him to a new generation, while his daily blog and social media presence keep him visible in an increasingly crowded landscape. There has been no major career decline; instead, he has demonstrated consistent output and adaptability.
Sources and Further Reading
“Richard Herring is an English stand-up comedian, writer, podcaster, and author born on 12 July 1967.”
“Herring studied history at Oxford University, where he performed with the Oxford Revue, and met Stewart Lee there.”
“He is especially known for Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (RHLSTP), which interview-based sources describe as a major part of his later career.”
Summary: Richard Herring’s Life and Career
Richard Herring is a British comedian, writer, and podcaster who has maintained a career spanning more than 30 years. He is best known for his partnership with Stewart Lee in the double act Lee and Herring, his victory on Taskmaster, and his long-running podcast RHLSTP. He continues to perform, podcast, and blog actively in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Richard Herring’s real name?
Richard Keith Herring.
How old is Richard Herring?
Born 12 July 1967, making him 57 years old as of 2025.
How tall is Richard Herring?
Approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), though not officially confirmed.
Is Richard Herring on social media?
Yes — Instagram (@rkherring1967), Facebook, and YouTube (Herring1967).
What is Richard Herring’s net worth?
Not publicly disclosed; estimates vary and should be treated as speculative.
Does Richard Herring have children?
Yes, he has two children with his wife Catie Wilkins.
What is Richard Herring’s podcast called?
Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (RHLSTP).
Did Richard Herring win Taskmaster?
Yes, he won Series 10 and the Champion of Champions special.
What books has Richard Herring written?
He has published autobiographical works including How Not To Grow Up.
Thomas Whitmore is Politics & Public Affairs Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering Parliament, government policy, elections, public spending and political accountability.