The Guardian

This much I know

Judi Love, comedian, 42

Interview MICHAEL SEGALOV Photograph BRIAN J RITCHIE

I lived in my own world as a kid. I sang Whitney Houston songs to imagined crowds. While watching films, I’d pretend to be the star of my own movie. But there was no representation. I never thought there was a space for this chubby working-class West Indian girl in Leyton to be on screen.

Getting drunk at school

was my wildest teenage moment. It was the last day before exams – we got wasted on our break and came back for the final class. The teachers had no idea what to do.

Working in an Afro hairdresser from 14 was the best education. Through customers and colleagues I was exposed to adult life – breakups, breakdowns, unexpected pregnancies… It opened my eyes to sisterhood and the power of community. Plus, I got my hair done for free.

Believe it or not I was shy for a long time. I worked at the council into my 30s and during team meetings I’d be petrified of even introducing myself. Then a friend asked me to MC her wedding – it helped me find my confidence.

I’m awful with names, I blame my dyslexia. I’ve learned to work wonders with a simple “Hey, babe!”

I didn’t get into comedy until I hit 30. Life was happening – I had children, I was paying bills. But when I gave it a go at an open-mic night, something clicked, even if I nearly threw up backstage.

Meeting Whoopi Goldberg was a pinch-me moment. I’m her biggest fan; she’s the woman I’ve always looked up to. Then I got the call to interview her – she’d asked for me specifically. I still can’t believe we sat together and she knows I exist. Thankfully, I didn’t forget her name.

A guy once said: “You’d be wifey material if you were a little bit smaller.” You can guess what I replied. The body positivity movement has empowered us, yes, but too many people still believe that if you’re a big girl, you don’t have selfdiscipline, self-respect or self-love. In fact I’ve got plenty of all three, thanks.

A guy once said to me, ‘You’d be wifey material if you were a bit smaller.’ You can guess what I replied

There’s so much I love about being a mum. Snuggling with the kids on the sofa. Dressing up in matching outfits. Seeing my face in theirs. Making them get the remote just because I can.

A few years ago I dreamed of being on Loose Women, today I’m a regular, and about to do my first national tour.

I’d have a lot to say to my teenage self: “Take care of your body, starting now; work harder at school; Tyrone is not the one.” Mostly, though, I’d tell her, “Girl, never forget you are enough.”

Judi Love’s debut UK tour, The One Like, starts 18 March (judilove.co.uk/events)

Up Front

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2023-03-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://guardian.pressreader.com/article/281621014578397

Guardian/Observer