Shazia Mirza

Shazia Mirza is a British comedian, actress, and writer. She is best known for her stand-up comedy, and her articles in British newspapers The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph.

Early life and education Mirza was born in Birmingham, England, the eldest daughter of Punjabi Pakistani parents who moved to Birmingham, England in the 1950s.

Mirza read Biochemistry at the University of Manchester and achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Goldsmiths, University of London. Before beginning her career in comedy Mirza was a science teacher at Langdon Park School, where she taught Dylan Mills, now known as the grime pioneer Dizzee Rascal. She later attended Rose Bruford College, where she studied acting part-time while working as a supply teacher

Career Stand-up Her comedy is said to push barriers and, as a comedian, she is often referred to as 'brave'.

Writing

Mirza was a columnist for The Guardian between 2008 and 2010. She has also written columns for The New Statesman and Dawn newspaper.

Television and radio She was a regular panelist on the Channel 5 topical discussion series The Wright Stuff, as well as appearing on other TV shows

In April 2007, she presented a documentary on BBC Three called F*** Off, I'm a Hairy Woman.

Mirza has also appeared in reality game shows Celebrity The Island with Bear Grylls on Channel 4 (2017), and in 2018, the Channel 5 show Celebs in Solitary. In 2024 she appeared in SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Recognition She was recognised as one of the BBC's 100 women of 2013.