It’s 2019 and the question of whether women can be as funny as men is still something that female comedians are coming up against. 

While it can appear like the industry has moved on (no one would dare to ask the question out loud), the undertone remains. Whether it’s the patronising introductions of female comedians on stage or the lack of opportunities on TV (only 13.7% of the guests on Have I Got News For You have been women), getting ahead in comedy is a hell of a lot harder if you’re female. Which is something that Katherine Ryan knows only too well. 

Now don’t get us wrong: Ryan has built an impressive career for herself. She’s a famous face not only in her industry but also as a host and presenter internationally, she’s appeared on renowned shows such as Roast Battle, Big Fat Quiz Of The Year, The Fix and Safeword and, of course, is a Stylist Live alumna. 

In just a few words Ryan summed up the inherent sexism in the comedy world; a prejudice that spreads far and wide in the entertainment industry. She succinctly highlights the ridiculousness – because of the gender she was born and identifies with – that lowers her chances of being given the spotlight.

Some of Ryan’s fans chimed in to support her, with one writing: “Well you’re definitely a boss, which is several degrees better than ‘man’.”

Former Great British Bake Off baker Candice Brown also commented, writing: “Yes to this.”

While another pointed out some of the tropes that women come up against in the workplace, tweeting in response: “Risky isnt it…I mean you may have to go on maternity leave one day and have a year out perhaps or maybe it’s your voice or something..too girly. You’ll have to work on that. #sarcasm”

Ryan may not have her own show in the pipeline just yet, but we, for one, are backing the idea all the way. 

Images: Getty