Andy Zaltzman is the son of sculptor Zack Zaltzman and is of Lithuanian Jewish ancestry. He attended Tonbridge School and has a degree in Classics from University College, Oxford. Whilst at university he was sports editor for The Oxford Student.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Andy has been performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 1999; when he was a finalist in the gious So You Think You’re Funny? new act competition along with Josie Long, Russell Howard and David O’Doherty.

His debut full length Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Andy Zaltzman versus the Dog of Doom’ received a nomination for Best Newcomer; at the Perrier Comedy Awards in 2001

Political Animal

In 2004 he began co-hosting Political Animal, a stand-up show where different acts perform political themed material; Zaltzman has hosted solo since 2006. Political Animal later transferred to BBC Radio 4.

He appeared in a late night show ‘The Honourable Men of Art’ at The Stand in 2006 and 2008; and performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for the first time in April 2007. Winning the coveted Piece of Wood Award, given to the best show as voted for by other comedians. Since then he has co-hosted The Bugle, a weekly satirical comedy podcast for TimesOnline, with John Oliver.

Buddy Bremner

Andy has worked with Rory Bremner on a number of projects; these include Transatlantic, a US election special for BBC Radio 4 and several series of Bremner, Bird and Fortune. In June 2007 he and John Oliver were commissioned by BBC2’s The Culture Show; to write a mock farewell speech for departing Prime Minister Tony Blair. The speech was animated by Triffic Films, with Bremner providing Blair’s voice.

Andy Zaltzman: Writer

In November 2008 Andy Zaltzman’s first book, Does Anything Eat Bankers?: And 53 Other Indispensable Questions for the Credit Crunched, was published.

Andy is a huge fan of cricket and since November 2008 has written a regular blog for Cricinfo; named “The Confectionery Stall”. The name for the blog comes from the description given by Richie Benaud; of a shot by Ian Botham off Terry Alderman.

Andy Zaltzman TV & Radio

He has appeared as a guest on various TV and radio programmes. Including 8 Out of 10 Cats, BBC Four’s The Late Edition; as well as The Now Show and The News Quiz on BBC Radio 4.

He was a regular co-host of the satirical news show 7 Day Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Live; along with comedians Chris Addison, Sarah Millican and one different guest each week.