Comedian and former TV presenter Mark Lamarr has told a court that he is 'effectively retired' due to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The 59-year-old appeared before Willesden Magistrates' Court after being charged with speeding.
Lamarr, known for hosting 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks' and appearing on 'Shooting Stars', argued that a driving ban would cause him 'exceptional hardship' because of his condition. He said using public transport was 'out of the question' on bad days, when walking to a bus stop or train station was 'quite exhausting' and he had to lie down for 'a day or two'.
The star admitted driving at 46mph in a 40mph zone in Twickenham, south-west London, in June. He already had nine points on his licence from three previous speeding offences between August 2023 and May 2025. Despite his plea, the bench imposed a six-month driving ban and a £76 fine, ruling that while he would suffer hardship, it would not be 'exceptional'.
Lamarr said he now makes money by dealing records, using his 2019 Volvo XC60 to find stock. He also needs the car to drive his daughter to visit his mother, who suffers from arthritis. The comedian, born Mark Jones, previously hosted 'The Word' and 'Big Brother' outdoors segments, and was a team captain on 'Shooting Stars'. He hosted BBC2's 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks' for nine years until 2005, and later worked for BBC Radio 2.
