Judi Love: I want to do a PhD on laughter..

JUDI Love’s mantra is that laughter is healing, so it should come as no surprise that the comedian now plans to do a PhD on the subject.

- SARA WALLIS

The 44-year-old, who has two university degrees, said her goals are not limited to the world of entertainment – although she would like to be the next Cilla Black.

“I’d love to reboot Blind Date,” she said, follwed by an unmistakable cackle. “Let’s manifest it… I’m going to put that on my vision board.”

With new travel show Judi Love’s Culinary Cruise on ITV this week, a stand-up tour in the works and regular gigs on Loose Women and comedy shows, Judi is at the top of her game.

But it hasn’t always been easy, coming from a working-class background in London, raising two children as a single mum and facing discrimination as a Black woman.

Judi said: “There were many days I remember being in my council property and fretting, thinking, ‘How am I going to get through this week? What am I going to do?’

“But there’s something creative in me and I just want people to feel some kind of joy. That was my thing.

“I’ve done degrees, I’ve raised kids by myself, so even if it’s not entertainment, if people have that moment, thinking, ‘How do I balance teenagers?’ or ‘How do I go back to uni?’ or ‘How do I be plus-size but still try to keep myself fit?’

“I don’t see myself as a role model but if someone can see themselves in me, that makes me feel purposeful.