Paul Merton: Biography, Weight Loss, Relationships & Career

Paul Merton has been making Britain laugh for decades on Have I Got News for You, but his life off-camera has had its share of dramatic turns. In 2003, he married writer Sarah Parkinson, who died of breast cancer just three months later. He later found love with fellow comedian Suki Webster, and the couple continues to perform together. This article sorts out what’s known about his relationships, health, and career.

Full name: Paul Merton · Born: 9 July 1957 · Best known for: Have I Got News for You · Current partner: Suki Webster · Previous spouse: Sarah Parkinson (died 2003) · Notable health issue: Major weight loss (public speculation)

The key facts below draw from biography databases and news outlets, not from the comedian himself.

Who is Paul Merton?

Paul Merton was born on 9 July 1957 in Parsons Green, London (IMDb biography). He grew up in a working-class Fulham household, the son of Albert and Mary Ann Merton (The Genealogist family history tool). In his autobiography Only When I Laugh, Merton describes his journey from that childhood to his comedy career (Paul Merton official website).

He rose to prominence as a regular panellist on Have I Got News for You and has worked as a writer and actor across television and stage (IMDb biography).

The implication: Merton’s professional identity is closely tied to his panel-show persona, but his working-class origins suggest a more grounded start than his on-screen wit might imply.

What is Paul Merton’s relationship history?

In June 2003, Merton married writer and producer Sarah Parkinson (The Independent UK news). Tragically, Parkinson died of breast cancer just three months after the wedding (The Independent). The loss was a profound personal blow.

Later, Merton found love with improvisation comedian Suki Webster, and the two have performed together on stage (The Independent). As of 2025, they remain a couple, with Webster frequently appearing in Merton’s touring shows.

Are Paul and Suki still together?

Yes. As of 2025, Paul Merton and Suki Webster remain in a relationship and continue to perform together on stage (The Independent). Webster is a regular presence in Merton’s touring shows.

Does Paul Merton have any children?

No official confirmation exists from available sources about whether Paul Merton has children. Public records and recent news coverage do not provide verified details on this topic.

The trade-off: public relationships come with inevitable scrutiny, especially after a private tragedy like Parkinson’s death. The lack of confirmed information about children leaves that part of his personal life undisclosed.

Why has Paul Merton lost so much weight?

Since around 2018–2020, Merton has appeared noticeably thinner. In a 2025 Instagram post, he joked about a weight loss technique, captioning an image with “Apparently it’s a great weight loss technique” (Instagram post social media limited verification). The remark was delivered as a joke about movement and physical limitation, not a verified medical claim (Instagram post). No official explanation has been given.

The catch: without a confirmed medical cause, public speculation continues, but Merton himself has not addressed it directly.

What illness does Paul Merton have?

In the past, Merton has spoken about mental health struggles. A 2021 report from Express stated that he suffered a mental breakdown and was referred to a psychiatric hospital in Camberwell, South London (Express UK newspaper). Another social media post claimed that a bad reaction to malaria tablets led him to check into the Maudsley Hospital (Instagram post), though this has not been officially confirmed.

Why this matters: mental health disclosures by public figures can help reduce stigma, but the lack of official confirmation means details remain in the realm of rumor.

What is Paul Merton doing now?

Merton remains active. In 2025, he is touring with Suki Webster. Additionally, Channel 4 announced a six-part series titled Paul Merton: Driving Amazing Trains, scheduled to air in 2025 (BroadwayWorld entertainment news). He continues to make occasional appearances on Have I Got News for You.

The pattern: Merton leverages his long-standing appeal by combining nostalgia with new projects.

For fans of British comedy, the Merton story is a reminder that even the funniest people face private struggles. The lesson: the comedian continues to work and perform, but the gaps in public knowledge about his health and family remain unresolved.