Growing up working class in Hackney and raising two kids by herself, comedian Judi Love has had her share of struggles, but says it’s given her a different way to look at showbiz

“I just want people to feel some kind of joy,” says Judi Love(Image: BBC/Fremantlemedia Ltd and QI Ltd)

Judi Love’s mantra is that laughter is healing, so it should come as no surprise that the comedian now plans to do a PhD on the subject.

The 44-year-old, who has two university degrees, says her goals are not limited to the world of entertainment – although she would like to be the next Cilla Black. “I’d love to reboot Blind Date,” she laughs, with an unmistakable cackle. “Let’s manifest it… I’m going to put that on my vision board.”

With new travel show, Judi Love’s Culinary Cruise, on ITV this week, a stand-up tour in the works and regular gigs on Loose Women and comedy shows, Judi is at the top of her game. But it hasn’t always been easy, coming from a working-class background in London, raising two children as a single mum and facing discrimination as a Black woman.

Judi says: “There were many days I remember being in my council property and fretting, thinking: ‘How am I going to get through this week? What am I going to do?’ But there’s something creative in me and I just want people to feel some kind of joy. That was my thing. I’ve done degrees, I’ve raised kids by myself, so even if it’s not entertainment, if people have that moment, thinking, ‘How do I balance teenagers?’ or ‘How do I go back to uni?’ or ‘How do I be plus-size but still try to keep myself fit?’

“I don’t see myself as a role model, but if someone can see themselves in me, that makes me feel purposeful. People shouldn’t limit themselves to what people expect them to do. I want to get back on the road and do my comedy tour and I’d love to do more writing, producing and directing. I want to go back to university and do a PhD. I’d like to study how laughter affects your mental health… otherwise, I’d study something connected to women’s health.”

Judi says she is grateful to enjoy her career at a later age(Image: Suzan Moore/PA)

The comedian, who grew up in Hackney, East London, has taken on her fair share of difficulties over the years. Judi says: “It’s what we have to carry. You can be on a comedy show and there are five acts, and back in the day, there would only be one female – and it might not be a female of colour – so I’ve got those two things against me. TV was always very middle-class. People went to uni or you knew someone who knew somebody.

“I never knew anybody that worked in TV when I was young. I knew people who had been on TV, but the ones who made the decisions? Never. But I think things have changed, from agents opening up their pool of talent, to people in certain positions. I created my own audience, which enabled me to get seen a lot more. They’re from all backgrounds and cultures, so it’s hard to deny it.”

Judi in Greece for the show Culinary Cruise(Image: ITV)

Judi also believes getting into showbiz later in life, at the age of 36, has helped her deal with the industry and her career in the public eye. She says: “My advice to anyone coming into the industry is to work on your craft, find your unique selling point – what makes you different – and don’t come into it too young. I got into it at a later stage and I’m really grateful for that. I had children, I had bills, I’d worked in the normal world and that really grounded me a lot more.

“It’s a very demanding industry and so many people suffer with anxiety. You’re exposed. You’re meeting so many different people and your circle changes – you’re not seeing your friends and family as much. You need a really good support network.”

On Loose Women(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Life is certainly non-stop for Judi. While she’s chatting to me, she’s on the way to the orthodontist with her 15-year-old son, while her 19-year-old daughter is at home with a tummy bug.

She adds: “It’s a juggle, but it’s one that I’m grateful and blessed to have.” Having won the 2021 Celebrity MasterChef Christmas special, Judi’s flair for food has been harnessed for her latest project, in which she travels Montenegro and Greece on a luxury yacht, sampling the food on offer. It’s hard work, but it’s so rewarding,” Judi says. “I loved spreading my joy and laughter around food and travel.”

Having always embraced her Jamaican heritage, she was blown away by the similarities in cooking and traditions on her travels. She says: “Seeing how much we have in common around the world is beautiful. Being British, food is at the centre, whether it’s a Sunday roast or that auntie who makes the best potatoes.

“I loved spreading my joy and laughter around food and travel”(Image: ITV)

“In Greece, you could see generations being taught and recipes being passed on. It really makes you think about the legacy and how important it is. In my family, my mum was known as the cook. Everyone wanted her rice and peas or curried goat, or cakes. My daughter cooks now and she’s incredible. That’s what legacy is about.”

Judi Love’s Culinary Cruise concludes today at 2pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Catch up on the full series on ITVX and STV Player.