Marie Goulbourne: Rising UK stand-up comedian dies 'unexpectedly' aged 45 due to health issue

The rising UK comedy talent won the Lancaster heat of the BBC New Comedy Awards and died on October 10, just days after securing a spot in the October 30 grand final in Birmingham.

Her performance, which won over the judges with her sardonic and self-deprecating humour, will air posthumously on BBC Three on November 6.

With over two decades of experience, Goulbourne initially pursued stand-up in the early 2000s but took a hiatus to focus on her career as a lawyer. She returned to comedy in 2021 and quickly became a standout performer on the North West comedy scene. Her biography described her as "a likeable authenticity" with a "deadpan style and exceptional timing" as she shared "candid tales of life as an autistic oddball in a modern world."

Goulbourne, based in Wigan, was known for her unique perspective as a "gender non-conforming, AFAB, disabled, working-class lesbian," a voice she brought to stages across the UK, including the Women In Comedy Festival in Manchester, where she performed just days before her passing.

Festival director Jessica Toomey called her death "devastating news," adding: "She was a friend and had worked with the festival from its inception... This is a big shock to all; it's really tragic."

Sian Davies, who runs the Comedy Queers gigs where Goulbourne regularly performed, said: "Marie Goulbourne was a comic on the cusp of greatness. The last twelve months were life-changing for Marie. She finally made the decision to throw herself into comedy... She made new connections and charmed the whole comedy community."

Davies recounted the moment Goulbourne won the BBC New Comedy Awards heat, praising her on her "perfect timing, deadpan delivery, and occasional eye roll raised the roof."

Goulbourne's sudden passing has left the comedy community in shock, with friends and colleagues paying tribute to her. Davies added: “Today I am not only grieving the loss of a close personal friend but the undoubted impact she would have made on the world."