Marina Purkiss (née Nigrelli, born 19 September 1984) is a British political commentator who rose to prominence in 2022 with commentaries on politics and current affairs on mainstream television shows, including Jeremy Vine on Channel 5 and Good Morning Britain on ITV. Her commentary has attracted attention on social media and in newspapers.[1]
Marina Purkiss | |
|---|---|
| Born | Marina Nigrelli 19 September 1984 |
| Education | University of Portsmouth |
| Occupation | Political commentator |
Early life and career edit
Purkiss was born in the UK to Italian parents. She grew up in Harrow, and made an early appearance on a BBC website as an inconsolable fan after Italy were knocked out of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in the round of 16.[2] Purkiss graduated from the University of Portsmouth with a degree in marketing in 2007, and has subsequently worked as a marketing manager for the past 15 years.[3][4]
Purkiss first became politically engaged in 2016, following the EU referendum,[5] using social media as a platform for commentary. Purkiss has over 400,000 followers on Twitter, is a contributor to Byline Times, and co-hosts a 'politically charged (but fun)' podcast, The Trawl, with Jemma Forte.[6]
In April 2023, a discussion between Purkiss and Conservative politician Jacob Rees Mogg on GB News went viral. She later stated that she would never appear on GB News again.[7][8] Later that week, Purkiss was a guest for the first time on the topical BBC TV panel game Have I Got News For You.[9]
Personal life edit
Purkiss is married to Ben Purkiss, a former professional footballer. They have two children and live in London.[10]
References edit
- ^ George, Henry (26 April 2023). "Marina Purkiss, The Unapologetically Honest Political Commentator". TDPel Media.
- ^ "Tears in Italian Soho". BBC News. 18 June 2002.
- ^ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinalauren/?originalSubdomain=uk
- ^ Pearse, Justin (19 August 2020). "My Digital Hero: Marina Nigrelli, Adobe". New Digital Age.
- ^ "Marina Purkiss | Political Commentator, Writer & Campaigner". Marina Purkiss.
- ^ "Oxford Debate. Trust, Corruption, and Politicians | Oxford Literary Festival". oxfordliteraryfestival.org.
- ^ Lewis, Ffion (26 April 2023). "Jacob Rees Mogg 'destroyed' by Marina Purkiss in interview". WalesOnline.
- ^ "Jacob Rees-Mogg Clashes With His Own GB News Guest Over The 'Disgusting' Government". HuffPost UK. 26 April 2023.
- ^ "Have I Got News For You Series 65, Episode 3". British Comedy Guide.
- ^ Gohil, Neha (22 October 2021). "British-Italian woman slams 'chaos' after being held up at Border Force". MyLondon.