Discovering Ellie Taylor: Model, Comedian, and Social Media Star

Ellie Taylor. You might know her from telly, maybe her stand-up shows, or even that time she was on Strictly. But before all that, she actually had a go at modelling. It's quite interesting to see how someone's career can go in totally different directions. This article looks at her journey, from those early modelling days to becoming the well-known face she is today.

Key Takeaways

• Ellie Taylor's career began with modelling after being scouted while interning for FHM magazine, leading to campaigns for brands like Matalan and Asda.

• She transitioned from modelling to stand-up comedy in her mid-twenties, finding her footing in the comedy scene.

• Taylor gained significant recognition through her stand-up specials, including 'Cravings' which was featured on Netflix.

• Her television work includes appearances on popular panel shows, presenting roles, and a notable part in the Apple TV+ series 'Ted Lasso'.

• Beyond comedy and acting, Ellie Taylor is also a published author, with her book becoming a Sunday Times bestseller, and she participated in 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

From Modelling to the Spotlight

Before Ellie Taylor became a household name for her sharp wit and comedic timing, her journey into the public eye began in a rather different arena: the world of fashion modelling. It wasn't a path she necessarily planned, but one that presented itself unexpectedly. Spotted by an agency scout while she was interning at FHM magazine, Taylor found herself signed to ISIS Models. This led to her appearing in campaigns for well-known brands like Matalan, Asda, and Pantene. However, it soon became clear that the modelling life wasn't quite the right fit for her. She found herself wanting something more, a different kind of challenge.

An Unexpected Start in Fashion

Ellie Taylor's foray into modelling was, by her own admission, a bit of a surprise. She's mentioned in interviews that she never quite had the 'look' for traditional modelling – not thin enough for high fashion, nor large enough for the plus-size market. Yet, her striking presence and professional attitude caught the eye of a scout, leading to a period where she graced campaigns for household names. It was a valuable experience, offering a glimpse into the industry and providing a foundation, but it wasn't where her heart truly lay. She realised pretty quickly that while she could do the job, it wasn't her passion.

The Transition to Comedy

After her stint in modelling, Taylor explored other avenues, including working in corporate events. But the pull towards performance and making people laugh was growing stronger. In her mid-twenties, she decided to take the plunge into stand-up comedy. This wasn't just a casual hobby; she was serious about pursuing it as a career. The transition from posing for cameras to commanding a stage, armed with just a microphone and her own stories, was a significant shift. It required a different kind of bravery and a willingness to be vulnerable in front of an audience.

Early Career Steps

Taylor's early comedy career involved the usual grind: open mic nights, small clubs, and honing her material. A significant early break came when she was discovered on ITV's 'Show Me the Funny', a competition designed to find new stand-up talent. This exposure was instrumental in getting her noticed. By 2014, she was performing her debut Edinburgh Fringe show, 'Elliementary', at the Laughing Horse venue. Around the same time, she also dipped her toes into radio, co-hosting a show on FUBAR Radio. These initial steps were crucial in building her confidence and developing the stage presence that would later define her comedian career.

The path from the catwalk to the comedy club is certainly not a common one, but for Ellie Taylor, it proved to be the perfect route to finding her voice and her audience. It’s a testament to her adaptability and her drive to pursue what truly makes her happy.

The Rise of Ellie Taylor The Comedian

Ellie Taylor's journey into comedy wasn't exactly a straight path, but once she found her footing, there was no stopping her. After a stint in modelling, she decided to try her hand at stand-up, and it turns out she had a real knack for it. She was first spotted on ITV's 'Show Me the Funny', which was a bit like a talent show for comedians. That was back in 2011, and it really kicked things off for her.

Stand-Up Successes

Taylor quickly started building a name for herself on the comedy circuit. She performed her first full show, 'Elliementary', at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2014. It was a great start, and she followed it up with several more solo shows over the next few years. Her shows often touch on relatable topics, and she has a way of making you feel like you're just having a chat with a mate, albeit a very funny one.

Here's a look at some of her early stand-up shows:

• Elliementary (2015)

• Infidelliety (2016)

• This Guy (2017–2018)

She's become a familiar face on the UK comedy scene, known for her sharp observations and energetic delivery. It's clear she enjoys being on stage and connecting with the audience.

Netflix Special and Beyond

Things really started to ramp up when her 2019 show, 'Cravings', was picked up by Netflix as part of their 'Comedians of the World' series. This gave her a much wider audience, both in the UK and internationally. It was a big moment, showcasing her talent to people who might not have seen her live shows or caught her on TV yet. She continued to tour with her material, with her show 'Don't Got This' running from 2019 to 2021. It's impressive how she's managed to grow her comedy career from small clubs to a global platform.

Critically Acclaimed Shows

Taylor's stand-up work has consistently earned praise. Her ability to blend personal anecdotes with broader social commentary makes her sets engaging and thought-provoking. She's not afraid to tackle everyday life, relationships, and the general chaos of being a woman in the modern world. Her performances are often described as warm, witty, and incredibly funny, cementing her status as a respected comedian.

Show Title	Year(s)
Elliementary	2014-2015
Infidelliety	2016
This Guy	2017-2018
Cravings	2019
Don't Got This	2019-2021

Television Appearances and Hosting

Ellie Taylor has become a familiar face on British television, gracing our screens in a variety of roles that showcase her quick wit and engaging personality. From panel shows to presenting gigs, she's proven herself to be a versatile and much-loved personality.

Panel Show Favourite

It feels like Ellie has been a regular on panel shows for ages, doesn't it? She's a natural, always ready with a sharp observation or a hilarious anecdote. You'll often see her on shows like Mock the Week, where her contributions are always a highlight, or The Last Leg, where she brings her unique energy. She's also a regular on shows like QI and Would I Lie To You?, proving her comedic timing is second to none.

Her appearances on these shows aren't just about getting a laugh; they often highlight her intelligence and ability to think on her feet. It's this blend of humour and smarts that makes her such a sought-after guest.

Presenting Engagements

Beyond the panel shows, Ellie has also stepped into the presenter's shoes with considerable success. She took the reins of BBC Three's Snog Marry Avoid? for its fifth and sixth series, a role that perfectly suited her no-nonsense yet playful style. More recently, she's been a co-presenter on The Great Pottery Throw Down, bringing warmth and encouragement to the potters. She also took on presenting duties for the likes of Let's Make a Love Scene and You Won't Believe This.

Her presenting style is approachable and genuine, making her a great fit for shows that require a personal touch. It's clear she enjoys connecting with people and sharing their stories.

Acting Roles

While comedy and presenting might be where she's most known, Ellie has also dipped her toes into acting. She had a recurring role as Gloria in the popular sitcom Plebs, showing a different side to her talent. She also played Poppy in the series Brotherhood and took on the role of Christina in The Lodge. More recently, her role as Flo "Sassy" Collins in the acclaimed series Ted Lasso earned her significant praise and even a nomination for an award. It's exciting to see her continue to explore these acting opportunities, adding yet another string to her already impressive bow.

Ellie Taylor Model Campaigns

Before she was cracking jokes on stage or gracing our screens, Ellie Taylor had a stint in the modelling world. It wasn't exactly what she'd planned, but it certainly gave her a unique perspective and a foot in the door of the entertainment industry. She was actually scouted while doing an internship for FHM magazine, which is quite the story, isn't it? She then signed with ISIS Models.

Discovering Ellie Taylor Model

Ellie has mentioned that she never quite fit the mould of a traditional model. She wasn't the super-slender type, nor was she plus-size. This in-between space meant she didn't always get the roles she might have otherwise. It's a reminder that the fashion world can be quite specific about its requirements, even for those who seem to have the 'look'.

Brand Collaborations

Despite not fitting the typical model mould, Ellie did manage to secure some notable campaigns. She worked with big names that many of us would recognise from our high street shops and supermarkets. These included:

• Matalan

• Asda

• Pantene

These collaborations show that her look and appeal extended beyond the high-fashion runway, reaching a broader audience.

Modelling Career Highlights

While modelling wasn't her ultimate career path, it provided valuable experience. It was a stepping stone, and she's spoken about how it led her to other opportunities, like working on corporate events. This period of her life ultimately paved the way for her to explore stand-up comedy, which we all know she's brilliant at. It's interesting to think how one path can lead to another, sometimes in ways you least expect. Her height, standing at 5' 11", certainly gave her a striking presence during her modelling days.

It's funny how things work out. What might seem like a detour can actually be the most direct route to where you're meant to be. Ellie's journey from modelling to comedy is a perfect example of that.

She's even hosted events like the ECA Industry Awards Dinner, showing her versatility beyond just comedy and acting. She will host the event, proving her comfort and skill in front of a crowd.

Beyond the Stage and Screen

Ellie Taylor's career has really taken off in ways that go way beyond just stand-up and acting. She's managed to branch out into some pretty interesting areas, showing she's got a lot of different talents up her sleeve.

Author and Sunday Times Bestseller

It turns out Ellie isn't just funny on stage; she's also a brilliant writer. In 2021, she released her first book, 'My Child and Other Mistakes: How to Ruin Your Life in the Best Way Possible'. It's a really honest and funny look at the realities of motherhood, and guess what? It went straight onto The Sunday Times Bestseller list. Pretty impressive stuff, right? It’s a collection of essays that really hit home for a lot of parents, sharing those less-than-perfect moments that often get left out of the glossy magazine versions of family life.

Ted Lasso Stardom

Many of us know Ellie from her role as Flo "Sassy" Collins in the massively popular Apple TV+ show, Ted Lasso. She popped up in seven episodes, and her character was a real breath of fresh air. It’s funny, because Ellie herself has said she didn't really know what the show would become when she was filming it. She even went to the audition thinking she wouldn't get the part, and after filming, she kept it pretty quiet. It just goes to show how sometimes the biggest successes can sneak up on you.

Strictly Come Dancing Journey

In 2022, Ellie took on a whole new challenge by joining the cast of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Paired with Johannes Radebe, she really threw herself into the competition. While they didn't take home the glitterball trophy, making it to week 10 was a fantastic achievement. It was great to see her tackling something so different, showing off a different side to her personality and proving she's not afraid to step outside her comfort zone. It’s always interesting to see how celebrities handle the intense training and pressure of the ballroom.

Personal Life and Beginnings

Essex Roots and Education

Ellie Taylor, born Eleanor Taylor, hails from Brentwood in Essex. It was here she grew up and eventually went on to study English Literature at the University of York. While at university, she got involved with the Drama Society, taking part in a few plays. It wasn't a straight path into the entertainment world, though; she initially interned at FHM magazine, where a scout spotted her and offered her a modelling contract.

Family Life

Ellie is married to Phil Black, a reporter, and they tied the knot in London back in 2014. The couple have two children together. She's spoken openly about the realities of parenthood in her book, offering a relatable and often humorous take on the experience.

Early Influences

Taylor's journey into comedy wasn't immediate. After her initial foray into modelling, she explored other avenues, including working on corporate events. It was in her mid-twenties that she decided to give stand-up comedy a go. Her experiences, both personal and professional, seem to have shaped her unique comedic voice, allowing her to connect with audiences through shared observations and relatable stories. Her early career also saw her trying her hand at presenting, which no doubt helped build her confidence and stage presence. She's mentioned how her time at university, particularly her involvement in theatre, likely played a part in her developing performance skills, even if she didn't realise it at the time. It's clear that a mix of life experiences and a willingness to try new things paved the way for her success. She's even discussed her upcoming stand-up tour, showing her continued dedication to live performance [ba11].

Ellie Taylor: More Than Just a Pretty Face

So, there you have it. Ellie Taylor isn't just someone you might recognise from your telly screen or a quick scroll online. She's a proper multi-talented individual, really. From cracking jokes on stage to making us laugh on panel shows, and even popping up in that massive show Ted Lasso, she’s been busy. Plus, she’s written a book and somehow found time to do Strictly Come Dancing. It’s pretty clear Ellie’s got a lot more up her sleeve, and honestly, it’ll be interesting to see what she does next. She’s definitely one to watch, that’s for sure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Ellie Taylor get started in the entertainment world?

Ellie Taylor's journey began in a surprising place: modelling! A scout spotted her while she was doing an internship, and she ended up modelling for brands like Matalan and Asda. However, she realised modelling wasn't quite her passion, so she moved into working at corporate events before diving headfirst into stand-up comedy in her mid-twenties.

What are some of Ellie Taylor's most famous comedy shows?

Ellie has put on several brilliant stand-up shows. You might know 'Elliementary', 'Infidelliety', and 'This Guy'. Her show 'Cravings' was even shown on Netflix as part of 'Comedians of the World', and her latest is 'Don't Got This'. She's known for making people laugh with her relatable and witty takes on life.

Has Ellie Taylor been on TV a lot?

Oh yes, Ellie is a familiar face on British TV! She's a regular on comedy panel shows like 'Mock the Week' and '8 Out of 10 Cats'. She's also hosted shows like 'Snog Marry Avoid?' and 'The Great Pottery Throw Down', and even took part in 'Strictly Come Dancing'. You might also recognise her from the popular show 'Ted Lasso'.

What's Ellie Taylor's book about?

Ellie wrote a book called 'My Child and Other Mistakes: How to Ruin Your Life in the Best Way Possible'. It became a bestseller and talks about the ups and downs of parenthood and life in a really funny and honest way. It's full of relatable stories that many parents will understand.

Did Ellie Taylor do 'Strictly Come Dancing'?

She certainly did! In 2022, Ellie Taylor was a contestant on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. She danced with Johannes Radebe and they made it quite far in the competition, reaching Week 10 before being voted off. It was a fantastic experience to watch her take on the challenge!

Where is Ellie Taylor from and what did she study?

Ellie Taylor grew up in Brentwood, in Essex. Before she became famous for her comedy and TV work, she studied English Literature at the University of York. She was even involved in the university's drama society, which probably helped her develop her performance skills!