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Toby Foster
Toby Foster
Toby Foster
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Toby Foster (born 13 August 1969) is a British comedian, actor, radio presenter, promoter and festival producer. He is best known for his long-running BBC Radio Sheffield show, and for his appearances in the television work of Peter Kay.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Foster went to the Barnburgh Junior School, followed by Lacewood Primary School, Dearneside Comprehensive and Wath Comprehensive in Rotherham.

Radio

[edit]

Foster was the host of BBC Radio Sheffield's breakfast show since 2004. He originally joined the station in the afternoon slot, from 2 until 5pm, taking over from Tony Capstick on 2 April 2002. He then worked with Antonia Brickell on a joint breakfast show in September 2004. His current breakfast show is called Toby Foster at Breakfast (formally Toby Foster Bigger at Breakfast). The show is aired from 06:00-10:00 every weekday. He has been nominated for three Radio Academy Awards: The Entertainment Award in 2004, Best Interview Award in 2010,[1] and Sony Speech Broadcaster of the Year in 2012. In 2020 Foster won for Best Speech Breakfast Show, but was unable to attend due to suffering an "ADHD meltdown".[2]

Foster was suspended from Radio Sheffield in December 2013 after using an offensive word on his Twitter account, in reference to a fellow BBC employee.[3] He returned in January 2014 after making an apology to his colleagues and the public.[4]

Foster now hosts an afternoon show across BBC Local Radio in Yorkshire on BBC Radio Sheffield, BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio York.

Film and television

[edit]

Foster appeared in Channel 4's Phoenix Nights as Les Campbell, one half of eponymous work mens club's backing band, Les Alanos. Foster went on to work with show creator and star Peter Kay on several projects, including That Peter Kay Thing and Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere. He is affectionately referred to as "One-Take" Toby by friend and co-star Peter Kay, because of his belief that he never gets his lines wrong.[5]

Foster made a cameo as "Northern Comic" in the 2007 Christmas Special of BBC Television series Extras. His character appeared as a contestant in the reality show Celebrity Big Brother, alongside co-writer and star Gervais' Andy Millman, Lionel Blair, Lisa Scott-Lee and X-Factor contestant Chico Slimani.

In 2008, he worked on the British comedy film Snappers, which was shot on location in Torbay. The film also stars Joss Stone, Matt Milburn, Tim Healy, Suranne Jones, Matt Slack and John Bowe, amongst others. It remains unreleased.[6]

Since 2019, Foster has provided the narration for Yesterday's Bangers and Cash, a factual entertainment programme following a family-run classic car auction in Thornton le Dale, North Yorkshire.

Stand-up

[edit]

In addition to his broadcast work, Foster is also a stand-up comedian, and continues to promote twice weekly shows at the Last Laugh Comedy Club, held on Friday and Saturday evenings at Sheffield City Hall. He was a founder member of the M.E.N.@Work team at Manchester's Comedy Store. He also runs his own company, Don't Shoot Productions Ltd., which runs comedy nights in the north of England.

References

[edit]
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Toby Foster

View on Grokipedia
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Toby Foster (born 13 August 1969) is a British , , radio presenter, promoter, and best known for hosting the weekday afternoon show on since 2023 (previously the breakfast show since the early 2000s) and narrating the classic car auction documentary series Bangers & Cash on the Yesterday channel since 2019. Born in , , Foster began his career in in the , quickly establishing himself as a high-energy performer with appearances on national television. He gained prominence through recurring roles in 's acclaimed comedy series, including the character of Les the security guard in (2001–2002), as well as parts in That Peter Kay Thing (1999) and Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere (2004). Foster later appeared as a sweary dustman in the Ricky Gervais series Derek (2014). In addition to broadcasting and acting, he founded The Last Laugh Comedy Clubs in 1997, which operate across South Yorkshire venues like Sheffield City Hall and Barnsley Civic, hosting professional stand-up acts weekly. Foster co-founded the Wentworth Music Festival in 2018, rebranded as WentFest, an annual one-day event in featuring live music, , and family , with the 2026 edition scheduled for 13 June.

Early life

Upbringing and family

Toby Foster was born on 13 August 1969 in , , . He grew up in the Dearne Valley area of , where his family was rooted in working-class life. Foster's father worked in the beer industry as a salesman, handling products for breweries including John Smith's and Mansfield Brewery, often dealing with barrels and deliveries that involved extensive travel. This occupation shaped the family's frequent moves during Toby's early years, first from Barugh and later settling in stable surroundings that influenced his grounded perspective. Around 1999, when Foster was about 30 years old, his father passed away suddenly at age 52 on , leaving a significant emotional void. In response, Foster returned to the family home in to care for his mother, who struggled deeply with the loss, marking a pivotal shift in his personal responsibilities and life direction. He has a younger brother, Matt. From childhood, Foster nurtured a strong ambition to pursue acting, inspired by early interests in performance despite facing discouragement from career advisors at school, who deemed it unrealistic and pushed alternatives like . His father's support, however, encouraged this dream initially, funding his first term at and contrasting the skepticism from educators. The family's challenges, particularly his father's untimely death, profoundly influenced Foster's trajectory, prompting him to seek fulfillment beyond a conventional career—much like his father's—and briefly turning to comedy as a coping mechanism amid grief.

Education and early employment

Foster attended Barnburgh Junior School, followed by Lacewood Primary School, Dearneside Comprehensive, and Wath Comprehensive (now Wath Academy) in Rotherham. He left Wath Comprehensive in 1985 at the age of 16, having been born on 13 August 1969. At school, Foster expressed ambitions to pursue acting, but career advisors quickly discouraged him, emphasizing the need for more practical career choices instead. Following the family tradition established by his father, Foster entered the industry for his early employment, taking on manual labor roles such as handling barrels before advancing into sales. In the late 1980s, he joined the now-defunct Mansfield Brewery, where he progressed to national sales manager by the early , building a stable career that he found unfulfilling and maintained into his 30s.

Radio career

BBC Radio Sheffield

Toby Foster joined BBC Radio Sheffield in 2002 as the station's resident comedian, bringing his stand-up background to enhance with humor. In September 2004, he became the host of the weekday breakfast show, initially titled Bigger at Breakfast, which aired from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The program offered an off-the-wall, comedic lens on life, covering , community events, regional humor, and listener call-ins, while integrating essential broadcasts like updates, travel reports every 20 minutes, and sports summaries. This blend of and information made it a staple for audiences, with Foster's quick-witted interactions fostering a sense of regional connection. In , the show was rebranded as Toby Foster at Breakfast, expanding slightly to run until around 10:00 a.m. in later years. Foster hosted the morning slot daily for nearly 19 years, establishing it as one of the BBC's most popular local programs through consistent coverage of everyday South Yorkshire stories, from steel industry impacts to lighthearted listener anecdotes. In December 2013, Foster was suspended from the station for three months after using offensive language in a tweet directed at a BBC manager; he returned to air in January 2014. In autumn 2023, amid BBC local radio restructuring, he stepped down from the breakfast role, transitioning to an afternoon show broadcast across Yorkshire stations, including BBC Radio Sheffield, where he continues to deliver topical discussions and entertainment from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays as of November 2025.

Awards and other broadcasting

Foster has received multiple nominations from the Radio Academy. In 2004, he was nominated for the Entertainment Award for his work on BBC Radio . In 2010, he earned a for Best Interview for his discussion with Peter Davies. In 2012, he received a for Speech of the Year at the Sony Radio Academy Awards for his contributions to BBC Radio Sheffield's programme, recognizing his engaging style and impact on local radio. In 2020, Toby Foster at won the for Best Speech Show. He also won Best Radio Presenter at the 2018 O2 Media Awards . Since 2019, Foster has served as the narrator for Bangers and Cash, a popular British television series on the Yesterday channel that documents auctions at a family-run in , , highlighting his versatile voice work in factual entertainment programming. Foster has expanded his broadcasting presence through guest appearances and one-off slots on other stations, including and , where he has hosted shared afternoon programmes across the network, showcasing his adaptability as a regional presenter.

Acting career

Television roles

Foster's television career began with a supporting role as Les in the Channel 4 mockumentary series That Peter Kay Thing (2000), where he appeared in the premiere episode "In the Club," contributing to the ensemble of characters in Peter Kay's early comedic sketches. His breakthrough came in the role of Les Campbell, the guitarist and drummer for the house band Les Alanos at the fictional Phoenix Club, in the sitcom Phoenix Nights (2001–2002), created by Peter Kay. This character, part of the club's eccentric staff navigating mishaps and performances, helped establish Foster's presence in British ensemble comedy. Foster reprised the role of Les in the spin-off series Max & Paddy's (2004), appearing in episodes centered on the duo's misadventures after leaving the club. These collaborations with marked Foster's entry into prominent television comedy, building on his stand-up background. Foster made a as the Northern Comic in the 2007 Christmas special of the BBC sitcom Extras, created by and , where his character appeared as a contestant in a fictional house alongside figures like . In the series (2012–2014), created by , Foster portrayed Les, a sweary dustman and work friend of Tom (played by ), serving as best man at Tom's wedding in the 2014 Christmas special. The character's coarse humor aligned with the show's blend of heartfelt and profane elements. Foster later appeared in season 2 of the series (2020), as Dennis, a in episode 6 who engages in a comedic involving , adding to Gervais's ensemble of quirky figures dealing with grief and absurdity. This role further highlighted his versatility in dark comedy ensembles.

Film and voice work

Foster's involvement in film has been limited, consisting of a lead role in the short comedy Taxi for the Comedian (2007), where he played Jimmy Cakes, a bigoted old-school northern comic followed in a fly-on-the-wall documentary. In 2008, he appeared in the British comedy film Snappers, directed by Julian Richards and shot on location in , . The ensemble cast included , Matt Milburn, and Tim Healy, with the story centering on holidaymakers encountering mishaps at a . Despite completion, the film remains unreleased to the public. Beyond live-action screen work, Foster has established a presence in voice-over narration, leveraging his distinctive accent honed through radio and television. Since 2019, he has served as the narrator for the observational documentary series Bangers and Cash on the Yesterday channel, providing engaging commentary on the operations of Mathewsons, a family-run auction house in , . The program follows the auction process, from vehicle inspections to bidding frenzies, highlighting vintage automobiles and memorabilia, and has aired multiple seasons, appealing to enthusiasts of automotive history. This voice role draws from Foster's earlier television performances, where his regional delivery added authenticity to comedic characters. No additional voice contributions in documentaries or advertisements have been documented, keeping his audio work focused on this ongoing series.

Stand-up comedy

Career beginnings

Foster began his stand-up comedy career in the mid-1990s, at age 27, after a life-changing moment at Mansfield Brewery inspired him to quit his sales job and pursue comedy, having witnessed local comedian John Fothergill earn £150 for a set. His father died the following year. Upon returning to his hometown area in , Foster honed his craft through initial gigs at open-mic nights in local venues, such as those in . To support his early performing efforts, he co-organized his first comedy night at the Courthouse pub in alongside his brother Matt and friend Rupert, establishing a foundation in the regional scene. His emerging style focused on observational humor drawn from everyday life in and personal anecdotes, influenced by performers like and . Foster's first professional breaks came via persistent open-mic appearances and connections formed on the comedy circuit, where he entered Peter Kay's circle of collaborators.

Ongoing performances and clubs

Foster maintains a robust schedule of stand-up performances across the , often centering his routines on the quirks of northern working-class life delivered with wry, self-deprecating humor. His shows typically explore everyday experiences in , blending observational anecdotes with personal reflections that resonate with local audiences. By 2025, these performances continue to draw crowds at established venues, including multiple dates at in November, such as a event alongside Chris Washington, Josh Elton, and Sam See. As a key figure in the UK comedy circuit, Foster is closely affiliated with prominent networks, regularly appearing at major festivals and theaters throughout and beyond. His engagements include compere roles at events like the Summer Saturdays series at , where he hosted and Matt Bragg on August 16, 2025, and a show on December 31, 2025, featuring Tony Burgess, Daisy Earl, and Scott Bennett. These affiliations underscore his sustained involvement in live scenes, with gigs extending to Civic and other regional theaters. Foster also plays a mentorship role for emerging comedians through his live shows, frequently introducing and platforming new talent as a compere to foster their development. This support mirrors his early career efforts, such as booking rising stars like at club nights, contributing to a professional presence spanning over two decades in the industry.

Producing and promotions

Comedy club ownership

Toby Foster co-founded The Last Laugh Comedy Club in 1997 alongside his brother Matt and friend Rupert, beginning with a weekly comedy night at the in , . As the owner and primary promoter, Foster has overseen its operation as a key venue for live in the region, including areas around where he resides. The club quickly became Yorkshire's longest-running comedy series, emphasizing accessible entertainment with shows held in local pubs and theaters. The club's programming centers on weekly and bi-weekly events featuring a balanced lineup of established national acts and emerging local talent, helping to nurture 's comedy ecosystem. Foster often serves as the compere, drawing on his stand-up background to introduce performers such as , , and rising stars like Sam See and Josh Elton. Venues include for Friday and Saturday nights, Civic Theatre for quarterly shows since 1997, The Lescar for monthly gigs, and expansions like Paramount and Brewery by the mid-2020s. This mix supports both touring comedians and regional newcomers, with events designed for group outings and fostering community engagement in the and broader area. From its single-night origins, the business has grown into a multi-venue operation by 2025, hosting 28 years of consistent programming as of 2025 amid challenges like the , during which Foster advocated for live recovery efforts. Key aspects include direct ticketing without fees via a dedicated booking line and strategic partnerships with local theaters, enabling sell-out crowds and sustained revenue through event hosting. This expansion reflects Foster's entrepreneurial focus on building a reliable platform for , now spanning four core locations with occasional outreach to nearby towns.

Festival production

Toby Foster co-founded the Wentworth Festival, later rebranded as WentFest, in 2017 alongside fellow radio presenter Steve White, inspired by their experiences at larger music events like those at . The annual event, held in , combines live music performances, , and family-oriented activities including funfairs, children's , food vendors, and bars, aiming to create a community-focused day out for attendees of all ages. Originally hosted at the historic estate in , the festival relocated to Hooton Lodge Farm starting in 2024 to accommodate potential growth, such as expanding to a two-day format with camping options. In his role as producer and promoter, Foster handles key responsibilities such as booking high-profile acts—including for 2026, alongside previous lineups featuring Boyzlife, 2.0, , and —overseeing logistics, and integrating his own comedy performances to enhance the event's appeal. By 2025, WentFest had grown to draw thousands of visitors annually, reflecting Foster's success in scaling the event from its inaugural 2017 edition despite financial challenges in breaking even. Building on the success of his comedy club ventures, Foster has also pursued broader promotional efforts, hosting corporate events and charity gigs that leverage his profile as a presenter.

References

  1. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7tv
  2. https://www.radiotoday.co.uk/2023/09/toby-foster-gets-yorkshire-afternoons-on-bbc-local-radio-stations/
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14112170/
  4. https://www.chortle.co.uk/comics/t/38/toby_foster/review
  5. https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/toby_foster/
  6. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1222921/
  7. https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/derek/cast_crew/full/
  8. https://www.lastlaughcomedy.co.uk/
  9. https://barnsleycivic.co.uk/event/last-laugh-comedy-club-2/
  10. https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/whats-on/things-to-do/wentfest-set-to-return-bigger-bolder-and-better-than-ever-5312506
  11. https://www.wentfest.com/
  12. https://www.aroundtownmagazine.co.uk/aroundtown-meets-toby-foster/
  13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyTTm7wELAU
  14. https://www.santaradio.co.uk/mugshots/toby-foster-bbc-dj
  15. https://www.chortle.co.uk/comics/t/38/toby_foster
  16. https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2013/12/13/19265/bbc_suspends_toby_foster_over_c-bomb
  17. https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/bbc-radio-sheffield-tears-as-toby-foster-bids-farewell-to-breakfast-show-after-nearly-20-years-4388057
  18. https://www.bbc.co.uk/southyorkshire/content/articles/2006/01/20/radio_sheffield_toby_foster_profile.shtml
  19. https://fourble.co.uk/podcast/toby09to11
  20. https://radiotoday.co.uk/2013/12/toby-foster-suspended-from-radio-sheffield/
  21. https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/toby-foster-leaves-bbc-radio-sheffield-breakfast-yorkshire-afternoon-slot-4343339
  22. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002lnwh
  23. https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2004/05/13/912/clue_scoops_sony
  24. http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/sheffield/hi/tv_and_radio/newsid_8611000/8611170.stm
  25. https://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/05/sonywinners/
  26. https://www.radioacademy.org/arias/2020-arias/
  27. https://news.virginmediao2.co.uk/archive/honours-even-in-o2-media-awards-yorkshire-and-the-humber/
  28. https://radiotoday.co.uk/2023/09/toby-foster-gets-yorkshire-afternoons-on-bbc-local-radio-stations/
  29. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gm78p9
  30. https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/phoenix_nights/characters/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0445114/characters/nm1222921
  32. https://www.cameo.com/tobyfoster
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1387283/
  34. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1221737-toby-foster
  35. https://www.stubhub.com/toby-foster-tickets/performer/150543756/sheffield-city/6520
  36. https://wegottickets.com/event/668974
  37. https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Sheffield/Sheffield-Memorial-Hall/The-Last-Laugh-Comedy-Club---New-Years-Eve/41498969/
  38. https://www.facebook.com/tobyfostercomedy/
  39. https://www.lastlaughcomedy.co.uk/barnsley-civic/
  40. https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/whats-on/things-to-do/have-the-last-laugh-with-toby-4496018
  41. https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/people/toby-foster-backs-savelivecomedy-fund-fundraiser-to-save-struggling-comedians-3225517
  42. https://yorkshireshiddengems.com/2021/09/10/countdown-to-wentworth-festival/
  43. https://www.facebook.com/wentfest/
  44. https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/wentworth-festival-to-move-from-grand-stately-home-as-organisers-look-to-two-day-event-with-camping-instead-4286460
  45. https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/wentfest-confirmed-for-2026-say-organisers-5189232
  46. https://x.com/tobyfoster/status/1904917445074186293
  47. https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/wentfest-fate-hangs-in-the-balance-despite-good-vibes-5188456
  48. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/toby-foster-4927a5b6
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