Stand-up comedian Phil Ellis has opened up about undergoing a hair transplant after spotting his thinning hair during his recent appearance on Taskmaster, saying the experience prompted him to take action.
Ellis, 44, who featured in the latest series of the hit Channel 4 show hosted by Greg Davies and Alex Horne, said the programme’s extensive camera coverage brought the issue into sharp focus.
“They have cameras set up at every angle imaginable,” he told comedy industry website Chortle. “Including the arch nemesis of the balding person – the bird’s-eye view. Wow, what an eye-opener that was.”
The comedian added that attitudes toward cosmetic hair procedures have shifted significantly in recent years. “Hair transplants aren’t the stigma that they were,” he said. “More and more comedians are getting hair procedures done now.”
Ellis also injected his trademark humour into the subject, joking: “Some comedians like Jimmy Carr are lucky – he’ll never need a hair transplant. I think my new hair will help me cement myself as a primetime television comedian, showbiz personality and new host of Richard Osman’s House of Games. Failing all that, I would love to be on Tipping Point!”
He revealed his decision on Instagram on Wednesday morning, telling followers he plans to document his “hair journey” and share updates throughout the process.
Striking a more serious tone, Ellis stressed that the decision was entirely personal. “I think it’s important never to feel pressure to do things of this nature,” he said. “I know that’s easier said than done. I got a hair transplant because I genuinely wanted to and it felt right for me.”
Ellis is being treated by Dr Asim Shahmalak at Crown Clinic in Manchester, a specialist who has previously worked with several high-profile clients, including Calum Best, television doctor Christian Jessen and Coronation Street star Jack P. Shepherd.
The comedian recently competed in the 20th series of Taskmaster, finishing joint first with Ania Magliano and Maisie Adam, with Adam ultimately winning the series after a tiebreaker. Ellis is set to embark on a UK stand-up tour titled Bath Mat from next month.
Fellow comedian Jimmy Carr, who has also spoken publicly about having a hair transplant, previously joked about his own experience: “My hair was socially distancing from my forehead and I’d had enough of it. What they do is take hairs from the back of your head and they put them on the front. Basically I had enough hair, it was just in the wrong place. It was a bit of redistribution.”
