Who is Mathew Baynton?
Mathew John Baynton is a multifaceted English actor, comedian, musician, and writer, renowned for his versatility and creative contributions to British television and theatre. Born on November 18, 1980, in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England, Baynton has carved a niche for himself through a series of acclaimed performances and creative endeavors. He gained prominence as a member of the Them There collective, co-creating and starring in popular shows such as Horrible Histories, Yonderland, and Ghosts. His collaboration with James Corden on the comedy-drama The Wrong Mans further showcased his writing and acting prowess. Beyond television, Baynton has made significant strides in theatre and film, including his role as Felix Fickelgruber in the 2023 film Wonka.
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🧒 Early Life and Education
Mathew Baynton was born on November 18, 1980, in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. Raised in a creative and supportive environment, he developed a passion for performance early in life. Southend, a coastal town in southeast England, has long been known for its cultural and entertainment offerings—an environment that likely nurtured Baynton’s early interest in the arts.
After completing his secondary education, Baynton enrolled at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, a prestigious drama school in London. Here, he developed a strong foundation in acting, particularly within classical and physical theatre traditions. Later, he refined his comedic and physical performance skills at the École Philippe Gaulier in Paris, an internationally renowned institution famous for its instruction in clowning and character-driven comedy. This training deeply influenced Baynton’s performance style, which often leans into physicality, timing, and expressive nuance.
👨👩👧 Personal Life and Family
Mathew Baynton is known for keeping his personal life largely out of the spotlight, though it’s publicly known that he is in a long-term partnership with Kelly Robinson, a film historian and writer. The couple has two children together: a son named Bo, born in 2011, and a daughter named Ida, born in 2016.
He has spoken about how becoming a father shifted his perspective on life and career choices, often motivating him to seek out family-friendly projects like Yonderland and Horrible Histories. He values his privacy, yet occasionally shares humorous or insightful glimpses into his family life through social media.
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Baynton has two older brothers, Daniel and Andrew, and remains close with his family. Despite his success, he maintains a grounded public persona, often appearing humble and self-effacing in interviews.
🌟 Childhood: A Creative Soul in Southend
Mathew Baynton spent his early years in Southend-on-Sea, a coastal town in Essex, England. Growing up near the sea with two older brothers, he enjoyed a lively and imaginative upbringing. From an early age, Baynton showed signs of artistic inclination—whether it was through acting out stories, exploring music, or diving into books. He often credits his hometown and close-knit family environment for shaping his sense of humor and creativity. Influenced by British comedy legends and classic storytelling, Baynton nurtured a love for performance that would eventually become the core of his career. His schooling years were also marked by participation in school plays and local performances, which further ignited his passion for the stage.
💘 Love Story: A Private Bond Built on Trust and Creativity
Mathew Baynton has been in a long-term relationship with Kelly Robinson, a writer and film historian. The two reportedly met in the early 2000s, drawn together by shared intellectual interests and a mutual love of storytelling and the arts. While Baynton is known for keeping his romantic life private, he has occasionally mentioned how much he values the quiet, grounded relationship they share away from the public eye.
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Their bond is strengthened by mutual respect and support, especially as they balance family life with demanding creative careers. Together, they have two children—Bo and Ida—and have built a life that blends creativity, love, and a deep appreciation for each other’s talents and individuality.
📊 Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mathew John Baynton |
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1980 |
| Age | 44 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Actor, Writer, Musician, Comedian |
| Education | Rose Bruford College; École Philippe Gaulier |
| Partner | Kelly Robinson |
| Children | Bo Baynton (b. 2011), Ida Baynton (b. 2016) |
| Siblings | Daniel Baynton, Andrew Baynton |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated between $1 million and $5 million |
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🎭 Career
Mathew Baynton’s career is distinguished by its diversity—spanning acting, writing, and music. His trajectory reflects not only natural talent but also a strong dedication to collaborative and original storytelling.
Breakthrough with Horrible Histories
Baynton rose to prominence as part of the original cast of Horrible Histories (2009–2013), a CBBC show that combined historical education with outrageous sketch comedy. His standout performances and comedic versatility helped the show become a cultural touchstone in British children’s television. Baynton, along with his castmates, gained acclaim for blending accuracy with satire and absurdity, appealing to both young and adult viewers.
The Wrong Mans
In 2013, Baynton co-created, co-wrote, and co-starred in The Wrong Mans, a comedy-thriller series for the BBC, alongside James Corden. The show followed two office workers caught in a dangerous web of crime and espionage. It was lauded for its sharp writing, suspenseful pacing, and innovative blend of comedy and action, proving Baynton’s chops as both a writer and a lead actor. It aired for two seasons and received BAFTA nominations.
Yonderland and Them There Collective
Baynton continued working with fellow Horrible Histories alumni on projects like Yonderland (2013–2016), a family fantasy comedy where he played multiple roles. The show was known for its whimsical storytelling, practical effects, and rich character ensemble. He is also a core member of the Them There comedy collective, the group behind Horrible Histories, Yonderland, and Ghosts.
Ghosts
From 2019 to 2023, Baynton starred in and co-created Ghosts, a hit BBC sitcom about a couple living in a haunted mansion filled with eccentric spirits from different historical periods. Baynton played Thomas Thorne, a 19th-century romantic poet with a tragic past and melodramatic tendencies. The show received critical acclaim for its clever writing, ensemble cast chemistry, and emotional undertones. A U.S. adaptation was also launched by CBS, based on the original concept.
Theatre and Film Work
In 2023, Baynton played Felix Fickelgruber in the Warner Bros. musical film Wonka, a prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, further showcasing his versatility. In 2024, he debuted on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company, portraying Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This performance marked a significant moment in his theatrical career and affirmed his classical acting credentials.
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🎭 Mathew Baynton – Career Highlights Table
Year Project Title Role / Contribution Medium Notes 2007 Learners Paul TV Film Early TV role alongside David Tennant and Jessica Hynes 2009–2013 Horrible Histories Various characters TV Series Gained widespread recognition for sketch comedy and historical satire 2012 Spy (Series 2) Chris TV Series Supporting role in British sitcom 2013–2015 The Wrong Mans Sam Pinkett (co-creator/writer) TV Series Co-wrote and starred in BAFTA-nominated comedy-thriller 2014 You, Me and the Apocalypse Ariel / Jamie TV Series Dual role in sci-fi comedy-drama 2015–2023 Yonderland Various (lead & co-creator) TV Series Family fantasy comedy, also a writer and producer 2019–2023 Ghosts Thomas Thorne TV Series Played a romantic poet ghost; co-creator and co-writer 2023–2024 Ghosts US Executive Producer TV Series Involved in US adaptation of Ghosts 2025 Taskmaster (Series 19) Contestant Reality/Game Show Latest appearance showcasing his off-script humor Various Stage Work (Shakespeare’s Globe etc.) Actor Theatre Performed in productions like The Winter’s Tale Ongoing Writing & Voice Work Writer, Voice Artist Multiple Media Continued work in screenwriting and voice-over, particularly for children’s media
📰 Latest News
As of May 3, 2025, Mathew Baynton is garnering attention for his participation in the 19th series of Channel 4’s acclaimed comedy game show, Taskmaster. In a recent interview, Baynton revealed that he undertook a challenge on the show that he “might regret for the rest of [his] life,” emphasizing the unpredictable and spontaneous nature of the tasks . Known for his roles in Ghosts and Horrible Histories, Baynton admitted to experiencing a “momentary wobble” before joining the show, as he was apprehensive about being himself on screen. However, he ultimately embraced the opportunity, stating, “You’re not under pressure to be funny… it’s really just about submitting to it, being really open, and just trying to do whatever insane things you’re being asked to do.” His appearance on Taskmaster showcases a different facet of his comedic talent, further endearing him to audiences.
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📏 Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), Mathew Baynton possesses a slender build complemented by expressive features that lend themselves well to his diverse roles in comedy and drama. His physicality, combined with his training in clowning at École Philippe Gaulier in Paris, contributes to his dynamic performances on stage and screen.
💰 Net Worth as of 2025
Mathew Baynton’s net worth as of 2025 is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth stems from his extensive work in television, film, theatre, and music. Notably, his roles in successful series like Horrible Histories, The Wrong Mans, and Ghosts, as well as his participation in films such as Wonka, have significantly contributed to his financial standing
FAQs
Are James Corden and Mathew Baynton friends?
Yes, James Corden and Mathew Baynton are friends and creative collaborators; they co-created and starred together in The Wrong Mans.
Who is Deno in Gavin and Stacey?
Deno is a minor character in Gavin and Stacey, portrayed by Mathew Baynton.
How old is Mathew Baynton?
As of 2025, Mathew Baynton is 44 years old (born November 18, 1980).
What is Mathew Baynton famous for?
Mathew Baynton is famous for his work in Horrible Histories, Ghosts, The Wrong Mans, and Yonderland, known for blending comedy, drama, and historical satire.
