If you’re a fan of Channel 4’s reality TV show The Circle, then you will be all too familiar with the sharp-witted and humorous narrator.

But did you know that Bolton-born Sophie Willan is the face behind the voice- and she has a very successful career outside of the quirky reality TV show.

(Instagram/@sophiewillan)

She has provided voiceovers for the show since the first series aired in 2018.

Here’s everything you need to know about Willan’s carreer achievements to date:

Sophie Willan’s early life

Sophie was born and raised in Bolton and had a bit of a tough upbringing.

She spent many of her teen years in care as her mother was an addict.

Willan later found housing accommodation through the Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme.

Sophie also funded some of her arts career by working as an escort, a topic she openly discusses through her comedy work.

Where have I seen Sophie Willan before?

You may have heard Sophie’s voice in her BBC Radio 4 feature entitled ‘Sophie Willan’s Guide to Normality’ where she discussed about what it means to be ‘normal’.

She has also appeared (in person) on a number of BBC shows including Click and Collect and Still Open All Hours.

The comedian has also appeared on a number of comedy sketch and panel shows including The Tez O Clock Show, Class Dismissed, Up Late With Rylan and Live from The Comedy Store.

(Instagram/@sophiewillan)

In more recent years, she created the BBC show Alma’s Not Normal; the pilot episode aired in 2020 and the full series is set to air at somepoint this year.

The show was inspired by Sophie’s own experiences in Bolton. It follows Alma who is trying to rebuild her life after a break-up while dealing with her heroin addict mum and an eccentric grandma.


(Instagram/sophiewillan)

Like the pilot episode, the series will be filmed in and around Bolton where Sophie grew up.

She was nominated for a Royal Television Society Award for her performance in pilot episode.

Sophie has also appeared on stage in a self-titled show that was described as “both brutally honest and gloriously unpredictable.”

Her humour and talent has not gone unnoticed which is why she was named on The Times Best Living Comedians List in 2018 and also winning the 2018 Caroline Aherne Bursary title.

You can catch up on previous episodes of The Circle on 4od or watch the show in real time on Channel 4.