Michael McIntyre is basically the king of observational comedy in the UK. You’ve seen the floppy hair, the skipping across the stage, and the posh-but-panicked delivery. But if you’ve ever watched his specials, you know that a huge chunk of his best material comes from one person: his wife, Kitty.
Honestly, it’s easy to think they’ve just had this perfect, easy-breezy life together. But the real story of Michael McIntyre and wife Kitty Ward is actually way more complicated than the punchlines suggest. It wasn't love at first sight—at least not for both of them. It involved a two-year pursuit, a grandmother who tried to sabotage the relationship, and a family tree that is surprisingly more "Hollywood" than Michael's own.
The Meet-Cute That Wasn't
Michael met Kitty Ward in his early twenties. He was, by his own admission, "pretending to be a screenwriter." She was an aspiring actress.
When Michael’s sister first introduced them, saying she’d found the "girl from his movie," Michael was instantly floored. He describes it in his memoir, Life and Laughing, as the moment he found exactly what he’d been looking for. He was ready for the credits to roll and the "happily ever after" to begin right then and there.
Kitty? Not so much.
She wasn't interested. Not even a little bit. It took Michael two years of persistence—which he jokingly refers to as "stalking"—to finally get her to agree to a date. He even moved into a flat across the street from her just to be close. It’s the kind of thing that works in a 90s rom-com but would probably get you a restraining order in 2026. Somehow, his "intense" energy worked, and she eventually gave in.
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A Grandmother’s Interference
You’d think once they were finally together, it would be smooth sailing. Nope. Michael’s grandmother apparently took a massive dislike to Kitty.
It sounds like a sitcom plot, but it was actually pretty "vicious" in real life. On Desert Island Discs, Michael revealed that his grandmother actively tried to break them up. It became an "untenable situation" for a while. Usually, when a family member hates your partner, it’s a dealbreaker. But Michael and Kitty stuck it out, eventually marrying in 2003 in a ceremony in Somerset.
Who Is Kitty Ward?
While Michael is the one in the spotlight, Kitty comes from a family that’s arguably more famous in the acting world. She isn't just "the wife from the jokes."
- Her Father: The late Simon Ward. He was a powerhouse actor, best known for playing Winston Churchill in Young Winston (1972). He also played Bishop Gardiner in The Tudors.
- Her Sister: Sophie Ward. You might recognize her from Holby City, Heartbeat, or the film Young Sherlock Holmes.
- Her Mother: Alexandra Malcolm, who was also an actress.
Despite the heavy-hitting acting pedigree, Kitty chose a different path. She currently works as an aromatherapist. While she occasionally pops up on red carpets or in the Royal Box at Wimbledon, she mostly avoids the "celebrity" life.
Life in the McIntyre Household
The couple lives in a massive £10 million home in Hampstead, London. It’s got eight bedrooms, a swimming pool in the basement, and a cinema room. They also have a place in Wiltshire for when the city gets too much.
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They have two sons, Lucas and Oscar. If you’ve seen Michael’s stand-up, you know these kids. They are the source of the famous line: "You never love your children more than when they’re unconscious, but still breathing."
Michael’s kids are teenagers now. Apparently, they don't think he’s nearly as funny as the rest of the world does. He’s mentioned that his sons find him "annoying" and they’d rather watch literally anything else on Netflix than his specials. It’s the classic "dad" curse—no matter how many arenas you sell out, you’re still just the guy who shouts too much at home.
The Comedy Filter
How does Kitty feel about being the butt of the jokes? Michael has shared some pretty personal (and hilarious) stuff over the years. From her strange sleeping habits—like the time she apparently tried to "recharge" herself by plugging her finger into a lamp—to her reactions to his fame.
Most of the time, she seems to take it in stride. Michael has said that Kitty is his first audience. If she doesn't laugh, the joke doesn't make it into the show. She’s essentially the quality control for his entire career.
Why the "Michael McIntyre and Wife" Dynamic Works
A lot of celebrity marriages crumble under the pressure of the touring lifestyle and the constant public eye. Michael and Kitty have been married for over 20 years. That’s a lifetime in showbiz.
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The secret seems to be a mix of two things:
- Privacy: Kitty doesn't chase the limelight. She has her own career and her own identity outside of being "Mrs. McIntyre."
- Shared History: They were together before Michael was a multi-millionaire. They went through the "broke comedian" phase together, which creates a foundation that's hard to shake.
What You Can Learn From Their Story
The biggest takeaway from the story of Michael McIntyre and wife Kitty isn't about the money or the fame. It's about persistence and boundaries.
- Persistence Pays: Michael waited two years for a date. If you believe in something (or someone), don't give up at the first "no."
- Family Drama Isn't Fatal: Even with a grandmother trying to ruin things, they stayed a team.
- Find Your "Straight Man": Every great comedian needs someone to keep them grounded. Kitty is clearly the anchor in Michael's high-energy life.
If you’re looking to dig deeper into their history, Michael’s 2010 book Life and Laughing is the best source for the unvarnished (and very funny) details of their early years. It covers everything from their awkward first meetings to the struggle of making it in the UK comedy scene.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch Michael’s Big Show on BBC iPlayer to see his latest "Send to All" segments, which often feature glimpses of his family life.
- Check out Sophie Ward's acting work if you want to see the talent in Kitty’s side of the family.
- If you're heading to a live show, keep an eye on the "posh" sections—Kitty is often there, supporting from the sidelines while her husband skips around on stage.