Lee Mack, the renowned British comedian, is set to host the special spin-off of the popular quiz show, The 1% Club Rollover, starting on March 18, 2024. This engaging format promises a life-changing prize pot of £500,000 for contestants, marking a significant milestone in Mack’s career, which began in the most unconventional of ways.
Mack, now 57, has always had a penchant for humor. His childhood was steeped in comedic influences, from his mother’s playful antics, such as removing her false teeth for laughs, to his father’s humorous demeanor. “At 15, I said in my head, ‘I want to be a comedian,’ but I didn’t know what that meant,” Mack reflects. His journey into comedy was inspired by a family atmosphere filled with laughter, often set against the backdrop of a local pub in the tough surroundings of Blackburn.
The upcoming series of The 1% Club Rollover is being described as ‘event TV’, with Mack bringing his unique blend of humor and charisma to the show. Although he admits his memory isn’t sharp enough to compete, he has a deep appreciation for the quiz format. “At the pilot, I didn’t get any laughs, as everyone was intrigued by the questions,” he recalls. Mack believes the questions are well-researched, contributing to the show’s engaging nature.
His path to comedy was not without its challenges. Before embarking on his comedic career, Mack briefly pursued aspirations of being a jockey, even working with the famous trainer Ginger McCain, who trained the legendary racehorse Red Rum. In a humorous twist, Mack capitalized on his time with the horse by selling bags of Red Rum’s manure, claiming it was “good for rhubarb” and selling it for 50 pence each.
Behind the laughter, Mack has faced personal tragedies. He speaks candidly about the death of his brother, Darren McKillop, in 2014 due to an overdose of antidepressants, a loss that deeply affected him. On the Gyles Brandreth podcast, Mack shared, “I don’t really like to talk about this. He did take his own life, but it was alcohol connected.” This experience, alongside the struggles of his parents with alcohol, has shaped his perspective on life and his decision to stop drinking.
Mack emphasized the chaotic yet humorous environment of his upbringing. He described his father as “more like an older brother,” a man who was funny and good-hearted but struggled with the responsibilities of parenthood. This dynamic led to a unique childhood filled with both joy and turmoil, which ultimately influenced his comedic style.
School was a struggle for Mack, whose academic performance declined after his parents’ separation. He jokes about his school reports reflecting a “declining graph of academic achievement,” noting that he became the “class clown.” This transformation coincided with the rise of alternative comedy in the 1980s, which played a significant role in shaping his career.
A pivotal moment came during a night at The Comedy Store in 1990, where performances by Eddie Izzard and Steve Coogan inspired him to pursue comedy seriously. Mack eventually went to university, where he met his wife, Tara, with whom he shares three children. He credits their shared sense of humor as a cornerstone of their enduring relationship.
Reflecting on his stage persona, Mack acknowledges the distinction between his public and private self. “On my passport is Lee McKillop, my bank account is Lee McKillop. I’m only 5% Lee Mack. I’m 95% not that person,” he explains, pointing to the complexity of his identity as a performer.
As Mack prepares to host The 1% Club Rollover, he is poised to entertain audiences while sharing a glimpse into his multifaceted life, filled with both laughter and heartfelt reflection. The show, airing on ITV for five nights starting March 18, 2024, promises to deliver engaging content, reinforcing why Mack remains a beloved figure in British comedy.
