New Graham Linehan memoir sets out writer’s experience of being ‘cancelled’

By Ellie Iorizzo, PA Senior Entertainment Reporter

Bafta-winning Irish writer Graham Linehan has detailed his experience of being “cancelled” from the world of comedy and writing in a new memoir, after vocalising his criticism for the trans rights movement.

The Father Ted creator, 55, who also wrote TV sitcoms The IT Crowd and Black Books, has written a new book titled Tough Crowd: How I Made And Lost A Career In Comedy which is set for release on October 12th.

It is billed as an “emotionally charged memoir” that details the so-called unravelling of his career after he “championed an unfashionable cause”.

The book comes after Linehan, who is known for his outspoken views on trans rights, had two venues in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe refuse to host his comedy show this year.

Leith Arches said the decision to cancel the Irishman’s booking was because his views did not “align” with their overall values.

Linehan, who has won five Bafta awards as well as a lifetime achievement award during his career, went on to host his comedy routine outside the Scottish Parliament in an open air show.

The synopsis for his memoir states Linehan “berates an industry where there was no-one to stand by his side when he needed help”.

It added: “Bruised but not beaten, he explains why he chose the hill of women and girls’ rights to die on – and why, despite the hardship of cancellation, he’s not coming down from it any time soon.”

British comedians Richard Ayoade and Jonathan Ross have both written a review of the book, with their quotes also appearing on the front cover.

The IT Crowd star Ayoade wrote: “A brilliant of the evolution of a comedy writer, but also an extraordinary and chilling portrayal of cancel culture. I found it unputdownable.”

While chat show host Ross wrote: “One of the most compelling and unflinchingly honest memoirs I’ve read in many years. It’s also the funniest.”