Early Beginnings and Social Media Stardom

Gilligan’s comedic journey began when he started uploading funny videos on his social media accounts. These videos quickly gained popularity, and his distinctive humor began to resonate with a wide audience. Even customers in the retail store where he worked began recognizing him, a clear sign of his growing online presence.

However, it was in 2017 that Mo Gilligan experienced his breakthrough moment. His talent caught the eye of none other than Canadian rapper Drake, who quoted some of Gilligan’s comedy on his Instagram account. This recognition from a global superstar catapulted Gilligan into the comedy limelight.

Inspirations and Influences

Mo Gilligan draws inspiration from comedy legends like Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock. In fact, it was watching a Chris Rock stand-up film that motivated him to try his hand at performing lengthy comedy shows. Gilligan’s comedy style seamlessly blends sharp wit, relatable anecdotes, and hilarious punchlines.

The Big Narstie Show and Grime Comedy

Gilligan’s career continued to soar as he co-hosted ‘The Big Narstie Show,’ which made its debut on Channel 4 in June 2018. Alongside rapper Big Narstie, they became known as pioneers of ‘grime comedy,’ a unique fusion of humor and music culture.

Notably, Mo Gilligan and Claudia Winkleman teamed up and emerged victorious in the 2018 edition of ‘The Big Fat Quiz of the Year’ on Channel 4, showcasing his versatility and comedic prowess.

The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan and Netflix Special

Mo Gilligan’s talent and popularity led to him hosting his own show, ‘The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan,’ which premiered in July 2019 on Channel 4. The show provided a platform for Gilligan to showcase his comedic brilliance and featured celebrity guests, music, and entertaining segments.

Later in the same year, Mo Gilligan achieved a significant milestone when his first comedy special, ‘Mo Gilligan: Momentum,’ was released globally on Netflix. It reached audiences in 190 countries, solidifying his status as an international comedy sensation.

Television Appearances and Beyond

Gilligan’s television appearances extended to ‘Celebrity Gogglebox,’ where he entertained viewers in the second and third series. He also participated in the ‘Stand Up to Cancer’ special of ‘Gogglebox,’ alongside comedian Babatunde Aleshe.

In August 2020, ITV announced that Mo Gilligan would join the panel as a panellist in the second series of ‘The Masked Singer UK,’ replacing Ken Jeong. His charisma and humor added a unique dimension to the show.

In 2020, Gilligan showcased his versatility by producing an hour-long documentary titled ‘Black, British, and Funny’ in honor of Black History Month. The documentary explored the rich history of the Black comedy circuit, featuring both pioneering stars and emerging comedians.

Mo Gilligan’s television journey continued with an appearance as a contestant on ‘The Cube’ alongside actor David Ajao in October 2020. He embraced the challenge and showcased his determination to succeed in diverse entertainment formats.

He expanded his television presence by joining the spin-off of ‘The Masked Singer UK,’ known as ‘The Masked Dancer UK,’ as a panellist. His sharp observations and humor added excitement to the show.

Hosting the BRIT Awards and Standup Special

In February 2022 and February 2023, Mo Gilligan achieved another career milestone by hosting the prestigious BRIT Awards. His charismatic presence and comedic timing were on full display at the O2 Arena, earning him praise from both fans and industry insiders.

In October 2022, Channel 4 aired ‘Mo Gilligan + Friends: The Black British Takeover,’ a standup special recorded at the O2 in December 2021. The special featured not only Mo Gilligan but also Eddie Kadi, Ola Labib, Slim, Thanyia Moore, Babatunde Aléshé, and The Compozers. It celebrated the richness of Black British comedy and left audiences in stitches.

That’s My Jam and Impact in Comedy Award

On November 29, 2022, Mo Gilligan was confirmed as the host of the upcoming BBC One series titled ‘That’s My Jam.’ His infectious energy and comedic talent promised an entertaining show for viewers.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to comedy, Mo Gilligan was honored with the Impact in Comedy Award at the 2023 National Comedy Awards. It served as a testament to his immense talent and the joy he brings to audiences worldwide.