My London: Mo Gilligan

The comedian and new Big Breakfast host takes in views at Frank’s, buys his suits at Scabal on Savile Row and always leaves full from La Bota
Alamy
Emily Phillips3 September 2021

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I’m currently in east London just past Canary Wharf with my girlfriend, Sophie, and our nine-month-old cockapoo, Baffy (I won a Bafta and named her after that!). But I grew up in Camberwell and Peckham, so I think of myself as a south Londoner.

Where would you recommend for a first date?

Frank’s in Peckham is a bar that’s cheap, but has views all across London. And when you walk in, it’s all pink, so good for pictures. It’s a nice spot in the summer — not sure about in the winter though!

Which shops do you rely on?

Selfridges because it’s got parking, which is very important. Next is H&M Home, which is a top-tier shop — we’re always decorating. Pets at Home; if you’ve got a dog I’m always there. I wear a lot of Stone Island, I go to the one off Carnaby Street. When it comes to TV clothes, we’re really lucky to go to this tailor on Savile Row called Scabal. It’s the best you can get.

Selfridges in London
Selfridge’s
Alamy Stock Photo

What’s your biggest extravagance?

Whenever we do production stuff, on the last day I like to get the whole crew Krispy Kremes. The other day I spent £100 on seven boxes. That’s a lot of money on doughnuts.

What’s the best meal you’ve had in London?

I like Caribbean food, but there’s this Spanish restaurant in Crouch End called La Bota. They do this chorizo in a red wine sauce. When I go, I’m always full.

Where would you most like to be buried?

I don’t think I’d be buried, but I’d have my ashes sprinkled in a park, y’know? I like Dulwich Park a lot, even Regent’s Park. I found a lot of serenity in the park with the dog during lockdown.

Who’s your hero?

Definitely a lot of the American comics: Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, I’ve seen Kevin Hart a couple of times. There are great comics from here, too, like Angie Le Mar, Slim, Richard Blackwood — many from the black community who I grew up watching.

22nd Annual Mark Twain Prize For American Humor
Dave Chappelle
Getty Images

What makes someone a Londoner?

You need to be a bit of a moaner. We can miss a tube and the next one will be along in a minute but we’ll still have a moan.

What’s your favourite work of art in London?

It’s kind of a cherry with a fly and a drone in Trafalgar Square. It’s incredible, I proper looked at it the other day, it’s unique.

London, UK, 02 Aug 2020. Trafalgar Square Fourth Plinth sculpture The End by artist Heather Phillipson. Credit: Waldemar Sikora
Alamy Stock Photo

Where do you go to let your hair down?

As a teenager I’d go central, and then in my 20s to Shoreditch, Dalston, Hoxton. Now the party is where you can find it. But I think there’s always that draw to east London.

What are you up to at the moment for work?

A lot of TV and then we start the tour — eight sold-out shows at Hammersmith Apollo. It’s probably one of the best times to do stand-up because the crowds will be so excited to be out.

Favourite grooming spot?

A-Class Salon in Camberwell, just off Coldharbour Lane. I’ve been going to Ronaldo (we call him Shabba) since I was about 21.

Most important thing you’ve learnt during lockdowns?

How important your family is. You never thought there’d be a time when you wouldn’t be able to see and hug your loved ones.

‘That Moment When: Life Stories from Way Back Then’ is out now (Ebury). Mo’s tour starts 15 Sep (mogilligan.com)

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