“Becoming the host of QI is like being given Christmas and birthday presents on the same day,” says Sandi Toksvig, who is taking the helm from Stephen Fry after 13 years.
The Danish born mother of three, 58, who lives on a houseboat in London with her wife Debbie, has presented much-loved radio shows, written novels and co-founded the UK’s fastest-growing political party, the Women’s Equality Party.
As a 19-year-old university student Sandi got involved with the thespian crowd and never looked back.
“I was going to be a human rights lawyer,” she says. “I’ve been in the business for 35 years and QI is the best show I’ve ever been involved in.’
QI is a prime example of the comedian’s insatiable knack for employment. “I was booked as a guest and became quite a regular. I loved the insanity and lack of preparation. You must rely on your wit and store of intelligence.” She explains , “I stepped in at the helm at the last minute for a charity stage version of the show. Obviously you can’t kill your friends to get their jobs. That’s ‘hosticide’. Once Stephen was sure he wanted to leave, I was chomping at the bit.”
Before QI came calling, Sandi presented Call My Bluff and even canoed across Africa for the book Great Journeys Of The World.
Her advice? “Don’t do it. You get a condition that I can only describe as ‘trench bottom’. An old Irish nun gave me some advice: if a crocodile attacks, offer it your arm so you have your legs to run away.”
Sandi is also kept busy with the Women’s Equality Party which she and Catherine Mayer founded. It raised enough money through crowdfunding for 10 months to field candidates in the English, Scottish and Welsh elections in May, and boasts over 70 branches in the UK.
“The most important thing is getting the conversation on the table. We’re the only political party in the world that hopes one day not to exist. We’re also the only one to have a master of ceremonies. I didn’t want a full title. I’m like the party jester.”
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