Simon Amstell: From Popworld to New Show I Love It Here

There’s a particular kind of magic when a comedian stops performing for the audience and starts performing for themselves. Simon Amstell has been doing that for years, and his latest show I Love It Here — which sold out a five-week London run before heading to seven cities — feels like the most honest version yet. From television host to film director to a man openly reckoning with shame, psychedelics, and sobriety, Amstell’s career has become a masterclass in vulnerability. Here’s where he stands now.

Born: 29 November 1979 ·
Nationality: English ·
Occupation: Comedian, Writer, Director ·
Notable TV: Popworld, Never Mind the Buzzcocks ·
Directed: Carnage (2017), Benjamin (2018) ·
Netflix Special: Set Free (2019)

When did Simon Amstell come out?

Simon Amstell came out as gay in his early 20s, though he has never pinned it to a single public announcement. The comedian has instead woven his sexuality into his stand-up from the very beginning, treating it as both a punchline and a foundation for deeper emotional work.

How did Simon Amstell come out?

• He has said that coming out was not a dramatic event but a gradual process of self-acceptance (Wikipedia).
• Amstell often references his adolescence and early attraction to other boys in his special Set Free (Netflix).

What was his family’s reaction?

• He has described his parents as supportive, though the topic of sexuality was awkward for a time (The Observer).
• His Jewish upbringing and family dynamics appear in his comedy, often with affectionate humor.

Is Simon Amstell married?

• According to a 2026 review from Chortle, Amstell is in a settled relationship with his boyfriend of 14 years; the couple reportedly have an open relationship.
• No public records of marriage exist.

The implication: Amstell’s private life remains just that — private enough that even a long-term partner is only mentioned in passing during a comedy review.

What is Simon Amstell doing?

As of early 2026, Simon Amstell is touring his new stand-up show I Love It Here after a sold-out London run. The show marks a shift from the therapeutic angst of Set Free toward something closer to contentment — and the critics have noticed.

Recent stand-up show I Love It Here

• The show played at Arches London Bridge from 11 February to 14 March 2026 (Chortle).
• A promotional video confirms a five-week sold-out London run before touring to seven major cities (YouTube (official promo)).
• The Observer interview identifies the show’s themes as psychedelics, sex, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Upcoming projects

• The tour includes a date at Bristol Old Vic on 24–26 July 2026 (YouTube).
• No new film or TV projects have been announced since Benjamin (2018).

Netflix special Set Free

• Released in 2019, Set Free is described by Amstell’s official website as “a uniquely vulnerable stand-up set on love, ego, intimacy, and ayahuasca.”
• The special is still available on Netflix and remains a touchstone for fans of his more introspective style.

Why this matters: Amstell is no longer chasing laughs at any cost — I Love It Here suggests a comedian who has found a comfortable rhythm and is daring his audience to join him in it.

Is Simon Amstell sober?

Simon Amstell has been open about his sobriety from alcohol and drugs, though his relationship with psychedelics complicates the picture. The comedian has framed his sobriety not as abstinence but as a conscious choice to stay present.

Why did Simon Amstell quit drinking?

• He has stated that alcohol and drugs interfered with his ability to be emotionally honest on stage (The Observer).
• His stand-up frequently references the shame and anxiety that drinking used to mask.

How has sobriety affected his work?

• Sobriety has allowed Amstell to explore deeper emotional territory, particularly around intimacy and self-criticism (Netflix).
• The Chortle review notes that his new show exudes a calm confidence that comes from being fully present.

Does he still use drugs?

• Amstell has reportedly used ayahuasca and other psychedelics as part of his personal exploration (The Observer).
• He distinguishes between recreational drug use and controlled psychedelic experiences for emotional healing.

The trade-off: Amstell’s sobriety from alcohol doesn’t mean a clean break from all substances — and that nuance has become a defining feature of his public narrative.

What are Simon Amstell’s most notable works?

From irreverent TV presenting to critically acclaimed films, Amstell’s body of work spans two decades. His pivot from host to auteur has been uneven but always interesting.

TV shows: Popworld and Never Mind the Buzzcocks

• Amstell started as a presenter on the youth music show Popworld in the early 2000s (The Observer).
• He hosted Never Mind the Buzzcocks from 2006 to 2009, winning a British Comedy Award and earning a BAFTA nomination (The Observer).

Films: Carnage and Benjamin

• His directorial debut Carnage premiered in 2017, a mockumentary set in a post-apocalyptic world where meat-eating is outlawed (Wikipedia).
• Benjamin (2018) premiered at the London Film Festival and follows a filmmaker struggling with commitment (Wikipedia).

Stand-up specials: Do Nothing, Numb, Set Free

• Do Nothing (2008) was his first recorded special, already showcasing his self-deprecating style.
• Numb (2012) tackled heartbreak and emotional detachment.
• Set Free (2019) is his most acclaimed, blending raw vulnerability with surreal humor (Netflix).

The pattern: Every project seems to dig one layer deeper. Amstell doesn’t repeat himself; he escalates the emotional stakes.

Where is Simon Amstell now?

Based in London and active on social media, Amstell keeps a relatively low profile between projects. His new show has brought him back into the spotlight, but he remains selective about public appearances.

Current location

• He lives in London and has described the city as a grounding force (The Observer).

Recent public appearances

• The I Love It Here run at Arches London Bridge was his most significant public engagement in 2026 (Chortle).
• He gave a rare in-depth interview to The Observer in February 2026.

Social media activity

• He is active on Instagram at @thisissimonamstell, where he shares occasional updates and behind-the-scenes content (Simon Amstell official website links to his Instagram).
• He does not have a public podcast or frequent media appearances.

The catch: For a comedian so intimate on stage, Amstell maintains surprising distance off it. His Instagram is curated, his interviews rare, and his private life largely off-limits.

Simon Amstell has spent nearly two decades turning his own discomfort into art. His latest chapter — I Love It Here — suggests he may finally be comfortable in his own skin. For fans who have followed him from Popworld to psychedelic confessionals, the takeaway is clear: the man who used to hide behind irony now stands fully exposed, and the audience is still laughing with him.