Richard Gadd, the creator and star of Netflix's hit series Baby Reindeer, has been named the most influential person in television over the past year by Radio Times. The 36-year-old Scottish actor, writer and comedian tops the RadioTimes.com TV 100 list, which is decided by leading figures in the industry. Jessica Gunning, who plays Martha in the series, is ranked second.
Baby Reindeer, which explores stalking, stand-up comedy and sexual assault, became an international sensation after its release in 2024. Gadd admitted he was unprepared for the level of attention. 'Nothing can prepare you for becoming an obsession with the public and the papers and the internet,' he told Radio Times. 'For that feeling of suddenly being seen.'
The series has earned eight BAFTA nominations and previously won three Emmys, with Gadd taking awards for acting, writing and executive producing. Gadd, who grew up in the Fife village of Wormit, said he has always felt like an outsider in the industry. 'I've never really felt a part of it until now,' he said.
Gadd recalled his childhood obsession with The Office, which inspired his career ambition. 'I was such a Ricky Gervais fanboy. I said to myself, “This is what I want to do, one day, to be in a show that I’ve written.”' After studying at Glasgow University, he struggled on the London stand-up circuit, a period he mined for Baby Reindeer. He credited his parents for encouraging him to persevere during difficult times.
Despite his success, Gadd remains focused on his work. 'You’ll never see me at the private members bars or parties. I just work really hard all the time,' he said. He is currently filming a new BBC One series, Half Man, in Glasgow.
