Karen Dunbar reveals her favourite Chewin' The Fat character ahead of new tour
Karen Dunbar has revealed her favourite Chewin' The Fat character ahead of her new tour.
The 53-year-old comedy legend confirmed that the hilariously prude science teacher she played on the BBC sketch show was her top persona to create.
Karen spoke to the Glasgow Times ahead of her new up-coming tour this May, which will see her bring some of her famous characters alive again.
She explained how the science teacher was one of her first ever creations, and was based on her own school experience.
READ MORE: Anti-abortion group challenged during protest near hospital
Karen Dunbar (Image: Sourced)
Karen told the Glasgow Times: 'I loved the teacher character. She could be my favourite, the part was based on my biology classes at Ayr Academy.
'We had a love-hate relationship because I was always shouting out that if I saw something funny, I couldn't help myself.
'I wasn't a bad lassie but I had everyone laughing, I just couldn't keep my mouth shut.
'I have actually been stopped by people who recognise the teacher after seeing me play her on Chewin' The Fat, they said I had her to a T.
'I will be bringing back a lot of my character for my new tour, it will have new stand up as well but definitely nostalgia too.'
Karen started her career off in the sketch show Chewin' the Fat, before going on to star in her own show, The Karen Dunbar Show, which received various awards and nominations.
Since then she has also featured in everything from Glasgow Panto to West End Theatre, performed Burns, Shakespeare, stand up and DJ-ed all in New York and last year DJ-ed at TRNSMT and in Ibiza.
In 2014 she opened the Commonwealth Games in front of forty thousand folk and one billion viewers.
Now she will take the stage in the city at Websters Theatre on Friday, May 2.
There will also be opportunities to meet the Chewin' The Fat star and take photos with special VIP ticket options.
Karen said: 'At the majority of my shows most people are pleased to see me before I even open my mouth.
'That familiarity from Chewin' The Fat and The Karen Dunbar Show gets crowds in the door, but it doesn't make them stay.
'I need to make sure I give good stuff that they can enjoy and work hard, but I love doing that.
'Performing in Glasgow means there is always a wee element of a ruckus, you can make the jokes more local too.'
Speaking about her new fans and loyal followers Karen shared what they can expect at her tour.
This includes life back when she first got famous to how she has been navigating life since - including her love and frustrations with new technology.
She said: 'I have a lot of young fans coming and ones who have been there from the start.
"The young ones surprised me but they love all the old stuff and seem to enjoy my new stuff which is great.
'For the tour I will be telling stories from Chewin' The Fat and the Karen Dunbar show, but also what my life is like now.
'I will be talking about my important relationship with my Amazon Alexa, we get in a lot of fights.
'For inspiration I am always looking about ordinary life and just thinking, is that funny? Can I make it something?
'I just love making people laugh, I have been that way since I was a kid. I think that is why I am always talking to my Alexa - it feels like I always have an audience.'
You can get tickets here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
Nick Kyrgios takes dig at BBC and his potential on-air replacement: ‘Their loss more than mine'
Nick Kyrgios is apparently competitive on and off the tennis court. In an interview with The Guardian, Kyrgios ripped the BBC for not bringing him back as a commentator during this year's Wimbledon, taking a dig at his replacement in the process. 'I know I'm a great commentator,' Kyrgios said. 'All I've done for 20 years is play, study and breathe this sport. I also think tennis needs commentators who say things that not everyone says. 'It's unfortunate but it's probably their loss more than mine,' he continued. 'I understand they've got Chris Eubanks but he hasn't beaten the greatest of all time multiple times. When someone's beaten Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic and has incredible insights, it's very strange you wouldn't want that person adding knowledge to tennis fans. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) hits a backhand against Karen Khachanov (not pictured) on day four of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium in May. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect 'I'm sure our paths will cross again. I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere.' Eubanks, an American tennis player who is ranked No. 108 in the world, has not been officially named by the network as part of their Wimbledon coverage. The Australian Kyrgios was on BBC's airwaves in London during last year's Wimbledon after he sat out due to a wrist injury. The network faced significant blowback for hiring Kyrgios for their television coverage after he previously admitted to assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Nick Kyrgios of Australia looks on during a practice session ahead of The Championships – Wimbledon 2023 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 02, 2023 in London, England. Getty Images Kyrgios, 30, has not played at Wimbledon since falling to Novak Djokovic in the 2022 final thanks to nagging injuries. He won't participate in this year's tournament after suffering yet another injury setback, this time a knee problem. 'Unfortunately, I won't make it back for grass season this year,' Kyrgios shared in an Instagram story earlier this month. 'This is just a bump in the road… I'm already working hard to get back stronger.'
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Beloved TV Personality Dead at 83 After Private Health Battle
Beloved TV Personality Dead at 83 After Private Health Battle originally appeared on Parade. , the beloved British TV personality known for starring on How Clean Is Your House? and Celebrity Big Brother, is dead at 83 after a private health battle. On Tuesday, June 17, Woodburn's manager confirmed her death. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved Kim Woodburn passed away yesterday following a short illness," they told BBC News. "Kim was an incredibly kind, caring, charismatic and strong person. Her husband Peter is heartbroken at the loss of his soulmate." The manager continued, "We are so proud of the amazing things Kim achieved in her life and career," before adding, "We kindly ask that Kim's husband and close friends are given the time and privacy they need to grieve." Although no details were provided about Woodburn's cause of death, a March Instagram update mentioned a medical issue. "We regret to tell you that Kim is unable to record any further videos for the foreseeable future due to a health problem," a statement read. "Kim sends her love to you all." She added in the caption, "No more videos for now, my loves, I need to get better!🙈🙈🙈." Woodburn finished as the runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother Season 19. She was also known for appearing on ITV's This Morning and Loose Women as well as the reality show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! In the wake of Woodburn's death, Woodburn's How Clean Is Your House co-host Aggie MacKenzie wrote in a statement to Metro, "Kim was a tormented soul, but now she's finally at peace. We clashed often." She added, "Behind the fierce persona was deep pain and incredible strength. She survived because she had to. I hope she's resting now. She was an unforgettable woman." Next: Beloved TV Personality Dead at 83 After Private Health Battle first appeared on Parade on Jun 17, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Elle
a day ago
- Elle
‘28 Years Later' Is the Zombie Sequel You Didn't Know You Needed—Here's How to Watch
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Over two decades after 28 Days Later redefined zombie horror, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland return to their virus-ravaged world with 28 Years Later—the first in a newly planned trilogy. The $60 million sequel sees the Rage Virus still festering on British soil, while the rest of the world has moved on. Opening in theaters today, the film explores not just the ongoing fight for survival, but also the evolution of both the virus and humanity. Set on the remote Holy Island off England's northeast coast, 28 Years Later centers on 12-year-old Spike (Alfie Williams). who has never known a world beyond the fortified pathway linking his small community to the quarantined mainland. On his birthday, his father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) takes him across the water for a harrowing rite of passage—only to find that the infected have evolved. Some crawl; others, now dubbed Alphas, lead organized hunting packs. The film also stars Jodie Comer as Isla, a housebound mother. 'There are moments that feel incredibly heightened—you're out of breath, facing elements of hysteria—but it's brilliant,' Comer told the BBC, describing the intensity of filming without CGI. While 28 Years Later doesn't revisit the immunity storyline from 28 Weeks Later, it does mark the beginning of a new arc that will stretch across two more films. Garland has already penned the second installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which is directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman) and due next year. Boyle, who hopes to return for the trilogy's conclusion, confirmed to Collider that Cillian Murphy's Jim—last seen alive in 28 Days Later—will appear in the second and play a major role in the third. Not yet. The film is currently playing in theaters, with a streaming release date to be announced. Given Sony's distribution history, the title is likely to become available via digital purchase first, followed by streaming on one of its affiliated platforms—though no official plan has been confirmed. In the meantime, you can revisit the earlier films in the franchise: 28 Days Later is now available to stream on Pluto TV, and 28 Weeks Later is on Hulu and Tubi. Get Tickets
