Attitude Awards 2026: Suzi Ruffell wins this year’s Comedy Award, presented by Tom Allen
Ruffell was honoured at the 15th anniversary of the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar
By Callum Wells
Comedian and broadcaster Suzi Ruffell is the recipient of the Comedy Award at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar.
Ruffell was honoured at the 15th anniversary of the Attitude Awards, hosted at London’s Roundhouse on 7 October.
Tom Allen presented Ruffell with her award, a fitting pairing for two comedians who have spent years making audiences laugh while bringing LGBTQ+ life and experiences into their work.
“I couldn’t be prouder to be here tonight. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this community” – Suzi Ruffell on winning the Comedy Award
She told the room, “Like many people in this room, I grew up under Section 28, drenched in shame. When I realised I was a lesbian, I was terrified. I thought I’d have a lonely and sad life. I was worried I’d be the only lezza except Clare Balding. It took me a while to find my tribe, but when I found them, god, it was worth the wait. Comedy has become my armour.
“Alice, my wonderful wife, who I love sharing our daughter with. When I was a teenager, I would go to bed at night and wish I would wake up without my queerness. But let me tell you, I’m fucking delighted that didn’t happen. I couldn’t be prouder to be here tonight. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this community. Thank you very much.”
She is also the host of Attitude Presents: Out with Suzi Ruffell
Ruffell’s comedy has long drawn on her own experiences of sexuality, relationships and family life, with her stand-up increasingly embracing the realities of being a queer woman and parent.
She is also the host of Attitude Presents: Out with Suzi Ruffell, the relaunched podcast produced in partnership with Attitude. Across the show, Ruffell has interviewed a broad range of LGBTQ+ voices, including Dame Kelly Holmes, Mae Martin, Alan Carr, Joe Lycett, Hannah Gadsby and Shon Faye. The new series has also featured Tia Kofi, Munroe Bergdorf and Attitude editor-in-chief Cliff Joannou.
Ruffell joins a packed line-up of winners at the 2026 Attitude Awards, alongside Donatella Versace, David Furnish, Michael Johnston and Jordan Stephens.
The Attitude Awards 2026 issue is available on digital platforms from 11pm on 7 October and in print from 8 October. Print copy available for pre-order here.