From performing at open mic nights to becoming a prime-time millionaire: How Joel Dommett became the new Golden Boy of British TV

From performing at open mic nights to becoming a prime-time millionaire: How Joel Dommett became the new Golden Boy of British TV

As a humble observer, I find myself utterly captivated by the extraordinary journey of Joel Dommett. From his humble beginnings in 2012 to the stratospheric heights he has reached today, it’s been a rollercoaster ride filled with laughter, triumph, and the occasional bump in the road.


Over a brief period, Joel Dommett has emerged as one of the busiest and sought-after figures in British television.

In any given week, it’s rare not to see the 39-year-old on television, as they are the primary presenter of three prime-time programs and a frequent guest on morning TV.

However, Joel didn’t find immediate success, as he relocated to London from Gloucestershire at the age of 19 with dreams of a career in comedy.

For several years, he performed on various stand-up circuits, eventually securing a role on the comedy news program “Russell Howard’s Good News” in 2011.

However, it took another five years for Joel to achieve even greater recognition, as he made it to second place on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in the year 2016.

After that point, Joel has turned into one of the most active television presenters, with a wealth exceeding £2 million.

TopMob takes a look back at how Joel became TV’s new Golden Boy

From performing at open mic nights to becoming a prime-time millionaire: How Joel Dommett became the new Golden Boy of British TV

From performing at open mic nights to becoming a prime-time millionaire: How Joel Dommett became the new Golden Boy of British TV

Growing up, Joel led a secluded existence, residing on a farm in the picturesque county of Gloucestershire. Following their divorce, it was his mother who nurtured him and his brother.

In his teenage years, he found himself developing a passion for performing, following a two-week training program at the National Youth Theatre in London, which he attended when he turned 17.

The subsequent year saw him make his debut as a stand-up comedian in Los Angeles, eliciting some laughter from the audience.

While taking care of a friend’s apartment, he stumbled upon a comedy club situated just a few blocks away and gave it a shot.

He shared with The Times, “I attended an open-mic event and thought I’d give it a try. It turned out alright; some folks even chuckled.

As I made my way homeward, I found myself strolling along Hollywood Boulevard, taking in the familiar star names embedded in the sidewalk. A rather unusual thought crossed my mind at that moment: “Could I possibly make a career out of comedy?

In 2008, he was awarded the title of Stand-Up and Coming New Act of the Year, yet it wasn’t until his performance on Russell Howard’s Good News that his career really took off.

Following stints on series such as Skins, Reality Bites, and Bring The Noise, Joel competed in I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in the year 2016, ultimately placing second.

From performing at open mic nights to becoming a prime-time millionaire: How Joel Dommett became the new Golden Boy of British TV
From performing at open mic nights to becoming a prime-time millionaire: How Joel Dommett became the new Golden Boy of British TV

While he was in the jungle, the humorist openly talked about a private sex video of his that had been leaked without consent.

The star was tricked into engaging in cybersex with a person pretending to be the Russian model Natalia Noir. Later, this unknown prankster callously made the recorded material public on the internet.

Joel shared with his fellow campers: ‘I fell victim to catfishing. Someone on Twitter approached me saying they wanted to have a Skype chat that turned into a proposal for a virtual sexual encounter. I agreed, thinking it was harmless. Unfortunately, I was rather naive and three years later, my interactions were made public, just a week before entering this camp.’

When someone asked Joel if it was something to boast about, he showed he found humor in the situation and said, “No, it was a really bad angle,” causing his fellow campmates to laugh.

Joel’s career kicked into high gear after how well he was received by the public on the show. 

He returned to Australia for the next three years to present the I’m A Celebrity spin-off show Extra Camp.

2019 saw him secure a role that has since become one of his most recognized, as ITV executives selected him for hosting duties on the British adaptation of The Masked Singer.

From performing at open mic nights to becoming a prime-time millionaire: How Joel Dommett became the new Golden Boy of British TV
From performing at open mic nights to becoming a prime-time millionaire: How Joel Dommett became the new Golden Boy of British TV
From performing at open mic nights to becoming a prime-time millionaire: How Joel Dommett became the new Golden Boy of British TV
From performing at open mic nights to becoming a prime-time millionaire: How Joel Dommett became the new Golden Boy of British TV

Since then, he’s been hosting the show consistently, while also taking on the lead role for spin-off series The Masked Dancer starting from 2021.

In the same year, Joel was selected as the host for the National Television Awards, a testament to his rise among the elite TV presenters nationwide.

Each year, this prestigious television event acknowledges excellence in British broadcasting and has earlier been graciously presented by personalities like David Walliams, Dermot O’Leary, and Sir Trevor McDonald.

He has hosted the last four NTA shows and is slated to return for the 2025 ceremony. 

In 2023, despite primarily working for ITV up until then, Joel was chosen by the management at the BBC to serve as the host for their revamped version of Survivor.

Regrettably, the show wasn’t able to sustain a large audience, leading to its cancellation by the network after just one season.

Despite a brief setback, it didn’t take Joel long to bounce back, as he was once again selected to co-host Comic Relief 2023 with Zoe Ball, Paddy McGuinness, David Tennant, and AJ Odudu by the BBC.

More recently, he has resumed his role linked to I’m A Celebrity by co-hosting the new offshoot series titled Unpacked alongside Sam Thompson and Kemi Rogers.

His success on camera has meant Joel reportedly earned £2,500 a day in 2023.

From performing at open mic nights to becoming a prime-time millionaire: How Joel Dommett became the new Golden Boy of British TV
From performing at open mic nights to becoming a prime-time millionaire: How Joel Dommett became the new Golden Boy of British TV
From performing at open mic nights to becoming a prime-time millionaire: How Joel Dommett became the new Golden Boy of British TV

Last year, compared to the previous one, Joel’s performing arts company, Neon Hero, brought in approximately £2.3 million as earnings, a significant increase from the £1.4 million earned the year prior, according to the financial report filed with Companies House.

The company has £1,108,653 in cash, as well as £980,832 in investments and £251,916 in monies owed.

In 2023, Joel’s firm accumulated a profit of £2,090,625, with £814,831 being the annual profit, which is over ten times greater than the £71,096 profit recorded in 2022.

In the year 2012, Joel founded Neon Hero, and by the following year, it had made its initial trading profit of £13,944. Over the next decade, this figure grew exponentially, reaching a staggering £2.3 million.

In September 2023, the presenter and his spouse, Hannah Cooper, revealed the arrival of their firstborn child, Wilde.

In 2019, the newlyweds unveiled their newborn son’s distinctive name alongside their initial family picture.

Underneath a cozy blanket, Hannah posted a picture of her newborn son’s feet on social media, captioning it: “Introducing Wilde Cooper-Dommett. Perfectly pinned baby feet that are larger than his father’s already!

After seeing Joel on “I’m A Celebrity” in 2016, Hannah reached out to him via direct messages, using a heart-shaped eye emoji as an icebreaker.

In December 2017, following a year of courtship, they made public their decision to get engaged. Later, in May 2019, they revealed that they had jointly bought their very first home.

Back in 2018, I spilled it all to Metro.co.uk, “She’s the one I see myself growing old with. It just seems effortless. There’s nothing challenging about discussing our shared future.

Read More

2024-11-24 18:13

Previous post 20 times Game of Thrones set the internet on fire
Next post STARSEED: Asnia Trigger Guide: Tips to earn Starbits in the game