Jason Manford's Family Life: A Look Behind the Scenes
Comedian Jason Manford, who is set to present the BBC's Big Night of Musicals tonight, is a father to six children from two marriages. While he prefers to keep his family largely out of the spotlight, the funnyman has occasionally offered glimpses into his life behind the scenes.
Professional Success and Personal Privacy
Jason Manford, 41, is a household name known for his comic prowess, acting, and impressive vocal talents. He made his television debut in 2007 with a minor role in the BBC Three comedy Ideal and has since flourished in his career. Highlights include presenting the prestigious Royal Variety Performance twice and serving as a panellist on ITV's Starstruck alongside judges like Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, and Shania Twain.
Ahead of hosting the Big Night of Musicals, Manford expressed it was a "real honour" but humbly noted, "The real talent is in the orchestra and the performers on stage, and I just love being a part of it." Despite his public persona, his personal life remains far less well-known, with Manford actively shielding his family from media attention.
First Marriage and Family Challenges
Manford tied the knot with his first wife, Catherine, in October 2007. The couple welcomed twin daughters in 2009, followed by a third daughter in 2010, and a son in 2012. Their relationship faced difficulties in 2010 when it emerged he had been messaging female admirers online. At age 34, he chose to step down from his presenting duties on The One Show to focus on his family, stating, "I have decided after careful consideration to stand back from The One Show to concentrate on my family."
The marriage ultimately ended in 2013. In a 2021 interview with the Mirror, Manford reflected on the breakdown, acknowledging he hadn't devoted sufficient "care and time" to the relationship. He explained, "My first marriage really disintegrated on my theory of, 'I don't want my children to have the childhood I had'. So I was out working all the time, and I didn't put the care and time into that relationship that it deserved and needed." He added that he now realises the importance of balancing work and family life.
Second Marriage and Domestic Insights
Manford wed his second wife, Lucy Dyke, in December 2017 in an intimate Manchester ceremony, followed by a celebration at a local curry house. Lucy, a television producer with credits including Black Mirror, The Split, and Ripper Street, has been championed by Manford for her professional achievements. He once encouraged followers to watch BBC's Better, a drama she produced, writing on Instagram, "My wife made this excellent show! It's an absolute smasher and will fill the hole that Happy Valley has left."
While largely private, Manford has shared humorous anecdotes about their domestic life. In 2021, he revealed on the Manatomy podcast that he tested Lucy's tolerance by growing sideburns for his role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He recalled, "My wife hated them, like genuinely hated them... I guess a lot of fellas do this, once you are married and they can't leave you for trivial reasons, like having mutton chops." This light-hearted moment highlights the couple's dynamic behind closed doors.
Children and Rare Family Moments
Manford is a father to six children in total—four from his first marriage and two from his current one. He actively shields his offspring from public attention and seldom posts pictures of them online. However, he occasionally offers glimpses into family life on social media.
In July 2022, he shared a rare snapshot of his son watching him perform live, captioning it on Instagram, "My little boy watching me on stage today at @festunderthestars," accompanied by a broken heart emoji. During Father's Day 2020, he uploaded an unusual picture embracing all six children, appearing delighted as they gathered for a cuddle. In the caption, he described a "lovely Father's Day" with activities like recording a radio show, enjoying pancakes, and receiving cards and cuddles, showcasing his dedication to family time.
The Big Night of Musicals airs this evening, March 28, from 7:45 pm on BBC One, marking another highlight in Manford's illustrious career while his personal life remains a cherished, private aspect of his world.
