Mariella Frostrup

Mariella Frostrup, an esteemed writer and broadcaster, has established herself as a thoughtful and accessible commentator across various programs and publications. Renowned among the UK’s top opinion-forming journalists and TV presenters, Mariella defies categorisation. She is a regular contributor to The Observer and other leading publications.

Her recent broadcasting endeavours include Channel 4’s SexBox, where couples discuss their intimate experiences post-coitus; Radio 4’s Bringing Up Britain, addressing the challenges of modern parenting; and Sky Arts’ Objects of Desire, a six-part series exploring the world’s most coveted objects.

Born in Oslo and raised in Ireland, Mariella has called London home since the age of sixteen. Between 1980 and 1990, she served as a PR executive for Parlophone Records, notably working on the iconic Live Aid concert in 1985. Transitioning to television, she became a film critic, hosting Thames Television’s Video View in 1990 and later Carlton Television’s The Little Picture Show from 1993.

Throughout her 15-year television career, Mariella has captivated audiences with her approachable and intelligent presence. Her diverse projects span from current affairs programs like Panorama, Question Time, and Backlash, to arts and entertainment shows. She has interviewed numerous celebrities, writers, and artists and has appeared on various TV shows, including Have I Got News for You and Absolutely Fabulous. She even made guest appearances as herself in the sitcom Coupling.

Balancing her television and radio career, she is a prolific journalist, having been a film critic for Harpers and Queen and writing a weekly dilemma column for The Observer Magazine, where she also conducts major interviews.