Celebrity After-Dinner Speakers for High Profile Events

Celebrity after-dinner speakers have an undeniable star quality about them that sets them apart from other speakers. Their star power and recognisable household names instantly capture audience’s attention, and they are guaranteed to be one of the biggest pull factors to your event.

After more than two decades’ experience booking speakers for high-profile events, we’ve come to know what works. Here is a list of The Speakers Agency’s Top 15 celebrity after-dinner speakers renowned for their expertise, charisma and ability to connect with audiences:

• Sir Ranulph Fiennes
• Baroness Karren Brady
• Brian Conley
• Simon Reeve
• Nigel Owens MBE
• Adam Kay
• Christopher Biggins
• Deborah Meaden
• Ed Balls
• Nicki Chapman
• Gyles Brandreth
• Toyah Willcox
• Phil Spencer
• Steph McGovern
• Ben Fogle

Beyond their star appeal, celebrity speakers bring a wealth of unique value to high-profile events.

Engaging Storytelling: Celebrity after-dinner speakers are masters of storytelling. Their personal experiences, anecdotes, and humour connect with audiences on a deeper level, and leave your attendees feeling like they’re old friends!

Inspiration and Motivation: Celebrity after-dinner speakers often share their inspiring journeys of overcoming challenges and achieving remarkable feats. Their messages of resilience, perseverance, and innovation motivate attendees to strive for their own goals and aspirations.

Entertainment and Delight: Above all else, celebrity after-dinner speakers bring a touch of fun and excitement to events. Humour and wit are never too far away, and their presence will be the memorable experience that stays with your guests long after the event itself finishes.

When selecting a celebrity speaker for your event, consider the following factors:

• Audience: Understand your audience’s demographics, interests, and expectations. Choose a speaker who resonates with their background and interests.
• Event Theme: Consider the overall theme of your event and select a speaker who aligns with the message and atmosphere you want to create.
• Speaker’s Expertise: Ensure the speaker’s expertise aligns with the topic you want to address. Their background, credibility and knowledge will all influence their impact.

The Speakers Agency boasts an impressive roster of celebrity speakers, catering to a huge variety of event themes and audiences. Here’s a glimpse into some of our most sought-after celebrity speakers:

Baroness Karren Brady is a successful businesswoman and football executive. Baroness Brady shares her expertise in leadership, negotiation, and overcoming challenges. Her inspiring journey from working-class roots to the top of the business world is one of pure inspiration.

Brian Conley is a British powerhouse of entertainment, captivating audiences for over 40 years as a comedian, actor, singer, and presenter. From hosting “The Brian Conley Show,” dazzling in West End musicals like “Me and My Girl” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and now starring in Eastenders, Conley’s infectious energy and comedic timing are guaranteed to leave your guests buzzing.

Simon Reeve isn’t just a celebrity, he’s a modern-day explorer. He’s traversed over 110 countries, tackling jungles, deserts, mountains, and oceans in his BBC shows like “Tropic of Cancer” and “Equator.” But Reeve’s not just a thrill-seeker. He’s an author, conservationist, and passionate advocate for cultural understanding and environmental protection.

Nigel Owens MBE is a retired rugby referee, but he is also a captivating storyteller, witty commentator, and surprising source of inspiration. So, if you’re looking for an after-dinner speaker who can combine humour, insight, and a touch of sporting drama, Owens is your man.

Adam Kay is a man of many hats, and none sit more comfortably than his comedic beret. He’s a bestselling author, award-winning TV writer, and former junior doctor who went from stitching wounds to stitching sides with laughter. His memoir, “This is Going to Hurt,” is a hilarious and heartbreaking look at the NHS frontline, proving that even amidst bodily fluids and frantic beeps, there’s always room for a good chuckle.

Christopher Biggins is a British national treasure, a whirlwind of wit, warmth, and theatrical exuberance who’s graced our screens and stages for over 50 years. From his iconic role as Lukewarm in the legendary sitcom “Porridge” to his dazzling performances in pantomimes and West End musicals, Biggins is a master of entertainment who can light up any room.

Deborah Meaden is more than just the “queen of the catchphrase” from Dragons’ Den. She’s a seasoned businesswoman, passionate philanthropist, and insightful speaker who brings a wealth of experience and charisma to the after-dinner circuit.

Ed Balls might be synonymous with political memes and the “chaotic energy” of Westminster, but don’t be fooled by the playful persona. He’s an economist, author, broadcaster, and surprisingly engaging after-dinner speaker who offers much more than just laugh-out-loud anecdotes. Regaling guests with hilarious tales from Parliament while offering insightful reflections on the economy and society, Ed is the perfect blend of wit, intellect, and genuine relatability. He is guaranteed to leave you laughing, thinking, and perhaps even rethinking that “Ed Balls Day” meme.

Nicki Chapman is more than just the bubbly host of “Escape to the Country.” She’s a seasoned broadcaster, journalist, and award-winning speaker who brings a dash of sunshine and a sprinkle of wisdom to any after-dinner event.

Former MP Gyles Brandreth is now better recognised for his festive jumpers, his appearances on This Morning and putting the world to rights with Dame Sheila Hancock on Celebrity Gogglebox. A man of many hats and talents, Gyles offers anecdotes that are each brimmed with wit, wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm.

Toyah Willcox isn’t just a singer, songwriter, actress, and author – she’s a force of nature, a whirlwind of vibrant energy, and a guaranteed after-dinner delight. From hilarious backstage tales to poignant reflections on her multi-faceted career, Toyah’s stories are utterly captivating.

Phil Spencer is the charming face of “Location, Location, Location.” He’s a wealth of property knowledge, a seasoned presenter, and a surprisingly hilarious speaker who can turn bricks and mortar into so much more.

Steph McGovern is an award-winning journalist and television presenter who brings a unique blend of business acumen, relatable charm, and Yorkshire wit to the after-dinner speaking circuit. Steph’s career began in the trenches of financial journalism, where she spent eight years as the main business presenter on BBC Breakfast. Since then she has hosted shows such as “Shop Well for Less”, “Watchdog” and in 2020 launched her own show, Steph’s Packed Lunch, which ran for three years.

Ben Fogle is an adventurer, author, broadcaster, and all-around renaissance man who has scaled Everest, rowed the Atlantic, and trekked across Antarctica. But don’t be fooled by his extreme exploits – Ben Fogle has a disarmingly easygoing charm and a knack for storytelling that will leave your audience both entertained and inspired.