Comedian Harry Hill experienced a period of intense stress and anxiety while hosting the award-winning ITV show TV Burp, which aired from 2001 to 2012. The pressure of creating the show, known for its satirical take on television clips, led to paranoia, including a belief that he was the target of an assassination attempt.
The Toll of Television
Hill revealed in an interview with The Times that the demands of TV Burp significantly impacted his mental health. He described feeling overwhelmed by the attention and “did not respond well to stress.” This culminated in a 2012 incident where he noticed damage to his car’s windscreen and became convinced someone was trying to harm him.
The comedian also expressed concern about the impact his stress was having on his wife, artist Magda Archer. He recalled a painting Archer created around that time titled My Life Is Crap, which he initially worried was a reflection of his own behavior. He ultimately acknowledged her as a grounding force in his life.
A Return to Performance
Despite the challenges he faced during his time on TV Burp, Hill continues to engage with the entertainment industry. He currently hosts The Harry Hill Show on YouTube, featuring interviews with comedians like Stewart Lee, Nish Kumar, and Phil Wang.
Recently, Hill joined CMAT onstage at Alexandra Palace on March 13, dressing as a dartboard during her performance of ‘Have Fun’. He has also publicly expressed his admiration for CMAT’s music, discovering her through her performance at Glastonbury 2025 and praising her album ‘Euro-Country’.
Hill’s support for indie music is also well-documented, having previously supported Yard Act at a residency in Leeds in 2023 and joining Black Midi onstage in London the same year to perform a Cardi B verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was TV Burp?
TV Burp was an award-winning ITV show hosted by Harry Hill from 2001 to 2012, featuring him mocking and satirising clips from other television shows.
When did Harry Hill believe he was being targeted for assassination?
Harry Hill experienced this belief in 2012 after noticing a hole in his car windscreen while with his children.
What is Harry Hill doing now?
Harry Hill is currently hosting The Harry Hill Show on YouTube, and has recently collaborated with artists like CMAT, Yard Act, and Black Midi.
Given the pressures of the entertainment industry, how important is it for performers to prioritize their mental health and seek support when needed?
