Greg Davies, the comedian and sitcom star, is set to preside over one of the television events of the year. He is the new host of the BAFTA TV Awards, which will take place later today (Sunday, May 10) at London’s Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. The ceremony will be broadcast this evening on BBC One and streaming on iPlayer from 7pm. He takes over from actor Alan Cumming, who fronted the 2025 show for TV awards and recently also hosted the BAFTA film awards earlier this year. Greg is expected to bring his trademark wit and domineering stage presence to proceedings, which is sure to delight audiences attending and watching along from home.
But how much do you know about the man himself? Do you know he had a very different career for more than a decade before he entered the world of comedy? That he used to be a member of a sketch group? Which surprising show he made his screen debut with? How tall is he? Here's everything you need to know about the beloved comedian.
Where Was Greg Davies Born and What Was His Previous Career?
Greg Davies was born on May 14, 1968, in St Asaph, Wales, and his father was very hopeful in choosing his son's place of birth. He made sure he was born in their native country so that he would be eligible for the Welsh rugby team. However, a sports career was never to be. Many of his dedicated fans are well aware that Greg actually spent 13 years in a very different vocation – that of a secondary school teacher. He taught English and Drama in a number of schools across the UK, and it would become a great source of comedy material for him in the future. This despite his belief that he spent too long in the job. He confessed: “This sounds awful, but probably teaching for as long as I did. I had some great times, but I don’t think I needed to do 13 years of it; I’d made my point after five or six.” Despite his Welsh heritage, Greg actually grew up in the town of Wem, Shropshire, where he also attended school. In 2025, he was made an honorary townsman of Wem.
When Did Greg Davies Become a Comedian?
Greg started stand-up comedy in 2005, working the club circuits after being encouraged by an ex-girlfriend. He has previously said: "I always wanted to do it, I just never had thick enough skin. A girlfriend I had while teaching was a pragmatist and always told me that if you want to do something, then go for it." By this time, he had already made his TV debut. A certain generation of fans may remember he appeared as 'Big Greg' in Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow. He was also a member of sketch comedy group We Are Klang, regularly appearing at the Edinburgh Festival. Greg even starred alongside his fellow We Are Klang members Steve Hall and Marek Larwood in their own short-lived sitcom. Greg’s experience as a teacher provided ample material for his stand-up routines. His first two specials, Firing Cheeseballs at a Dog and The Back of My Mum's Head, placed him as a comedian to watch, as he picked up a nomination for Best Breakthrough Comedy Artist at the British Comedy Awards in 2011.
However, his television breakthrough was undoubtedly his performance as Mr Gilbert in The Inbetweeners. Yet another time in his comedy career where his previous teaching profession became an advantage. Amid rumours of another series or film reuniting the original cast, Greg said: "God, I hope they do [make a third film]. I'd be so excited. If I'm not in it, there'll be consequences for several individuals." He also played a teacher in the comedy series he wrote and created himself, Man Down. While he has since gone on to star in Cuckoo and The Cleaner. Since 2015, Greg has hosted Taskmaster, which only helped increase his popularity with its global audience. In the show, Greg takes on the role of Taskmaster, despite the fact his 'assistant' Alex Horne is the show's creator. However, Horne has said in interviews that he wanted someone with authority and a demanding comedic presence to front the series and Greg was the 'only choice' to fill that duty.
How Tall Is Greg Davies?
One of the most recognisable characteristics of Greg Davies that is impossible to ignore is his height. He stands at 6ft 8in (2.03 m). So it makes sense that he always refers to his Taskmaster co-star as 'Little' Alex Horne despite Horne himself standing at 6ft 2in.
Is Greg Davies Married?
Greg chooses to keep his life outside of comedy significantly more private unless he has used it as material in a stand-up special. He is not married, does not have any children, and is currently thought to be single. Although his dating life has still been a subject of interest for some fans. He previously dated Labour politician and former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall. While the pair did not speak much publicly about their relationship, after it ended, Liz did confirm that they remain friends.
Greg Davies hosts the BAFTA TV Awards from 7pm tonight on BBC One and streaming on iPlayer.
