Rhod Gilbert was born in Carmarthen on 18 October 1968. He studied languages at Exeter University, and prior to become a comedian he worked as a qualitative researcher for various market research agencies in London.

Gilbert started in stand-up in early 2002, but in a short time has exploded onto the British comedy scene. In his first 18 months, he was the first person in the UK to reach the finals of every major new talent competition in the country, and winning four awards.

Singled out by the Sunday Times in 2005 as 'one to watch', Rhod scooped the Chortle Award for Best Breakthrough Act and was a success at 2005's Edinburgh Festival.

The show, entitled Rhod Gilbert's 1984, was sold out entirely during its run in Edinburgh and won him a nomination for the influential Perrier Best Newcomer Award. Other nominations resulting from the show included nods from The Writers' Guild of Great Britain and The List Comedy Award. The Times listed him their 2006 list of the top 50 comedians.

Rhod has taken his act across the UK and the world. Rhod Gilbert's 1984 had a run at the Soho Theatre in London's West End, and he's also been invited to perform at Australia's Best of the Edinburgh Fest, culminating in a sell-out week at Sydney's Comedy Store.

His globe-trotting has taken him to some of the world's most inhospitable areas. Quite apart from Ireland, Brussels and Paris, he's entertained troops in Basra and become the first comedian ever to perform in Taiwan.

Gilbert has found something of a home on TV and radio. In autumn 2005 Rhod Gilbert Stands Up For Wales was broadcast on BBC 1 Wales, exploring his comedy roots. He appeared on Paramount Comedy's The Comedy, Live At The Fringe and Edinburgh And Beyond.

He's joined the panels of BBC programmes Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Just A Minute and Mock The Week. An episode of the Lee Mack show which starred Gilbert won a Sony Award. He has also narrated programmes for BBC Three including Goals Galore, Pranks Galore, Football Gaffes Galore and TV Gaffes Galore.

Gilbert fronts a show, The Rhod Gilbert Show, on BBC Radio Wales each Saturday.