Harriet Kemsley Disability: Battle with Dyspraxia, Comedy, Courage & New Beginnings

Harriet Kemsley, a name synonymous with bold, self-aware comedy, has quietly become one of the UK’s most authentic voices — not just in stand-up, but in raising awareness around dyspraxia. Born on June 21, 1987, in Canterbury, Kent, the now 37-year-old comedian is as unfiltered in her comedy as she is in her life, balancing humor and hardship with grace.

A Childhood Full of Curiosity, Not Coordination

Growing up in Canterbury, Harriet always had a vivid imagination and a sharp sense of humor. But behind the scenes, she struggled with tasks many take for granted — tying shoelaces, riding a bike, or catching a ball. These seemingly minor difficulties would later be diagnosed as dyspraxia, a developmental coordination disorder affecting motor and cognitive skills.

Though she wasn’t diagnosed until adulthood, the signs were always there. In interviews and on stage, Harriet has talked about how isolating it felt not understanding why certain things were so difficult for her as a child.

After attending local schools, she pursued a degree in English literature at Kingston University, where her love for storytelling blossomed. It wasn’t long before she found her voice through stand-up comedy — a medium that allowed her to channel her challenges into laughter.

Comedy Career: From “Funny’s Funny” to National Spotlight

Harriet’s comedy journey kicked off in 2011 with immediate success. That same year, she won the Funny’s Funny contest — a significant turning point that launched her into the spotlight. By 2012, she had already been crowned the Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year and the Brighton Comedy Festival New Act of the Year.

Veteran comedian Rhod Gilbert named her one of the “Ten Must-See Comics” in 2012, a nod that put Harriet on the map.

Since then, Harriet has continued to make her mark. Her stand-up shows are deeply autobiographical, often touching on the quirks and chaos of living with dyspraxia, marriage, womanhood, and awkward social encounters. Her acclaimed solo show Slutty Joan was a raw, hilarious dive into insecurity, confidence, and contradiction — and was praised for its honesty.

Television audiences know her from “8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown,” “Roast Battle,” and “Hypothetical.” But many fans got a deeper glimpse into her life during the 2017 Viceland reality show “Bobby & Harriet Get Married,” where she tied the knot with fellow comedian Bobby Mair. The series was heartfelt, chaotic, and unmistakably real — much like Harriet herself.

Personal Life: Marriage, Motherhood & A New Chapter

Harriet married Canadian comedian Bobby Mair in 2017. Their dynamic — often described as chaotic and loving — was a hit with fans. In 2021, they welcomed their first child, a daughter whose name has been kept private to respect her family’s privacy.

But like many relationships, theirs changed with time. In April 2024, Harriet confirmed during her set on BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show that she and Bobby had divorced. With characteristic wit, she joked about re-entering the dating scene through the app Hinge, a sign of her resilience and ability to find humor in heartache.

Today, Harriet balances motherhood and a thriving career, using both to fuel her ever-evolving stand-up routines.

Living with Dyspraxia: Awareness Through Humor

Unlike ADHD or dyslexia, dyspraxia remains relatively under-discussed — particularly among adults. Harriet is helping change that.

Diagnosed in her adult years, Harriet has since used her platform to normalize neurodiversity. Dyspraxia affects fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and memory, often causing difficulty in everyday activities — from walking in a straight line to remembering appointments.

Through TikTok clips, interviews, and live shows, Harriet brings these experiences to life. In one viral clip, she joked about how she can barely carry a tray without turning it into a disaster. The audience laughed — but the relatability was real. For those who struggle with invisible neurological disorders, Harriet’s candid approach is refreshing and empowering.

Health, Allergies & Unique Quirks

Aside from dyspraxia, Harriet is open about her other challenges. She follows a vegan diet and lives with multiple allergies — including to raw fruits, raw vegetables, and nuts. Perhaps most famously, she has a genuine phobia of bananas, a detail she’s worked into her comedy routines with absurd brilliance.

Harriet Kemsley’s Net Worth and Career Outlook

While Harriet doesn’t flaunt her earnings, estimates suggest her net worth sits between $500,000 to $1 million, thanks to her long-standing comedy career, television appearances, podcasting ventures, and live tours.

She co-hosts the podcast “Why Is Harriet Crying?” with comedian Sunil Patel, a show blending dry wit with personal anecdotes that keep listeners coming back.

In 2025, she remains a regular on the comedy circuit and continues to develop fresh material — much of it centered around her life as a single mom, neurodiverse adult, and woman navigating a chaotic world.

Final Thoughts: Authentic, Awkward, and Absolutely Unapologetic

Harriet Kemsley has never tried to be anyone but herself — and that’s her power. In an industry that often prizes perfection, she celebrates awkwardness, embraces her neurodiversity, and speaks openly about the messier sides of life.

Whether she’s joking about dating after divorce, misjudging a staircase due to dyspraxia, or confronting a banana on stage, Harriet does it with heart, intelligence, and a fierce commitment to staying real. And that’s exactly why audiences keep cheering her on.