Sophie Willan has stormed onto the British television scene with wit, grit, and a voice so unmistakably authentic that it’s impossible to ignore. As the creator and star of Alma’s Not Normal, she has rewritten what it means to be a northern working-class woman on screen. Her story is not only inspiring, it’s reshaping British comedy — and it’s resonating far beyond her Bolton roots.
From Chaos to Comedy: Sophie Willan Early Life
Sophie Willan’s life before the spotlight was far from easy. Born in Bolton in 1987, she spent much of her youth in and out of the care system due to her mother’s struggles with addiction. But rather than letting those formative years define her in pain, she turned them into power — and eventually, punchlines.
What makes Sophie different is her ability to find humour in the uncomfortable. Her early stand-up sets tackled everything from foster care to growing up poor with raw honesty and razor-sharp delivery. This blend of trauma and laughter became her trademark, allowing her to connect deeply with audiences across the UK.
The Road to Alma’s Not Normal
Sophie first rose to national attention after winning the BBC’s Caroline Aherne Bursary for comedy writing in 2017. That support helped her create a pilot for Alma’s Not Normal, a semi-autobiographical sitcom inspired by her life. The pilot aired in 2020 and quickly gained acclaim, eventually earning her a BAFTA for Best Comedy Writer.
The first full series, which premiered on BBC Two in 2021, was a breakout hit. Viewers were introduced to Alma Nuttall — a whip-smart, flamboyant woman in her thirties, recently dumped and jobless, but determined to make her dreams come true despite her circumstances. Alma is loud, ambitious, unapologetically northern, and completely unforgettable.
Alma Nuttall: A Character that Resonates
Alma is more than a character — she’s a mirror of many women whose stories rarely make it to the screen. In Alma’s Not Normal, we see a character navigating a world that’s structurally stacked against her. She dreams of becoming an actress, but she’s on the dole. Her mum’s battling addiction, her gran is a no-nonsense war widow, and Alma herself has to fight every day to be heard.
The brilliance of Sophie Willan’s writing lies in its ability to find light in the darkest places. The show blends laugh-out-loud moments with emotionally gutting scenes, and never strays into melodrama. Alma’s resilience, outrageous fashion sense, and unfiltered voice make her one of the most relatable and refreshing characters to hit UK television in years.
Breaking Class Barriers on British TV
Sophie Willan has done something rare — she’s put the working-class experience on mainstream television without softening it. Alma’s Not Normal doesn’t ask for sympathy; it demands understanding. It shows women in council houses, on benefits, in rehab, not as stereotypes but as people with complexities, flaws, and fierce intelligence.
Through Alma, Sophie challenges the media’s portrayal of the working class. She gives voice to those rarely heard, and in doing so, has become one of the boldest voices in comedy today. She has spoken publicly about the lack of working-class representation in the arts and continues to push for more inclusion, not just in front of the camera, but behind it.
Award-Winning and Audience-Loved
The critical acclaim for Alma’s Not Normal has been enormous. The pilot won the 2021 BAFTA for Best Scripted Comedy, and Sophie herself picked up the BAFTA for Best Female Comedy Performance in 2022. Critics praised the show for its originality, emotional depth, and unrelenting humour.
But it’s not just critics — audiences have fallen in love with Alma. Viewers across the UK have connected with the show’s themes of ambition, disappointment, and the relentless grind of trying to move forward when everything feels stacked against you.
Series Two: A Fierce Follow-Up
In 2024, the long-awaited second series of Alma’s Not Normal returned with even more heart and even more grit. Sophie didn’t shy away from deeper issues — tackling addiction, austerity, and class prejudice head-on, all while keeping Alma’s fire burning.
The second series built upon everything the first did well, while giving even more attention to supporting characters like Alma’s mother Lin and her gran Joan. The series expanded the emotional scope without losing the sharp humour that made the show a success in the first place.
A New Chapter: On and Off Screen
Outside of the show, Sophie Willan has been keeping fans updated with her real-life milestones. In 2025, she announced that she was expecting her first child — a joyful moment for someone who has been candid about her chaotic upbringing. The personal and professional now blur for Sophie, and fans are eager to see how her life as a new mum might influence future projects.
There are rumours already swirling about a third series of Alma’s Not Normal, though nothing has been confirmed. With her growing profile, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Sophie tackle even larger projects, potentially a feature film or even a book.
Why Sophie Willan Matters
Sophie Willan isn’t just a writer or a comedian. She’s a cultural force. In a media landscape that often overlooks voices like hers, she has not only found a seat at the table but has rebuilt the table itself.
Her work is not only entertaining — it’s important. It provides representation to millions of people who never see themselves reflected on television. She doesn’t pander, she doesn’t water things down, and she doesn’t ask for permission. That’s what makes her so exciting, and so necessary.
Final Thoughts
Sophie Willan’s rise to prominence is a testament to the power of authenticity and perseverance. She’s a woman who turned pain into power, isolation into art, and her own lived experience into a BAFTA-winning sitcom that’s changing the face of British comedy.
Alma’s Not Normal is more than a show — it’s a statement. And Sophie Willan, the bold voice behind it, isn’t done speaking yet.
