Noel Fielding, the popular comedian and star of The Mighty Boosh, has kept his personal life largely under wraps, opting to keep his family life away from the public spotlight. However, following recent concerns about his health, which caused him to step away from filming the second series of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, interest in his private world has surged.
Fielding, 51, withdrew from filming the Apple TV Plus show over Christmas due to a mysterious health issue. This has added to speculations regarding his future on The Great British Bake Off, the beloved Channel 4 baking competition that he has co-hosted since 2017. Despite swirling rumours about his departure, Fielding’s spokesperson swiftly denied them, confirming that he will indeed return as the host next series.
While his career continues to draw public attention, very little is known about Fielding’s family life. The comedian has been in a long-term relationship with radio host Lliana Bird, and together they share two young daughters. Here’s a closer look at their low-key family dynamic.
Noel’s long-term partner
Fielding and Bird’s relationship began in 2010, when they met through their shared involvement with The Mighty Boosh. Bird, a 42-year-old radio DJ, had a cameo in several episodes of the series, and the pair soon began dating. Bird’s appearances extended to Fielding’s Luxury Comedy series in 2014, where she played the “lady in car.”
Aside from her career in broadcasting, Bird is a passionate author, having written the non-fiction book The Mice Who Sign For Sex in 2016 and the children’s book Baboo The Unusual Bee in 2023. She also runs a production company called Bird & Be and co-founded two charities: Choose Love and The Kindly Collective, both of which focus on supporting women, children, and animals in need.
Bird has appeared on television as a guest on Springwatch, Sky News, and BBC News, further showcasing her versatile career. However, despite her public profile, she and Fielding maintain a relatively private family life.
Noel’s two children
Fielding and Bird live together in north London, where they are raising their two daughters. Their first child, Dali, was born in April 2018, and was named after Fielding’s favourite artist, Salvador Dali. In August 2020, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Iggy.
The couple has made a conscious effort to keep their children’s lives off social media, although Bird occasionally shares snippets of Dali’s artwork on her Instagram. In 2018, Fielding opened up about fatherhood during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, saying, “She is very beautiful and she blows my mind about a hundred times a day.” He also admitted that fatherhood had brought a new level of exhaustion that even his past all-nighters hadn’t prepared him for.
Bird has often praised Fielding’s parenting skills, particularly his playful approach to family life. On Instagram, she shared her admiration for his relationship with their daughter, writing in June 2020, “Watching you two be the very best of friends and just have the most fun and dance every day has been the greatest joy of my life.”
Bird recently discussed how the couple strives to make ordinary moments with their children enjoyable. Speaking on the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, Bird said, “He kind of makes the silliest little moments, like having breakfast, a real moment. I’ve really leaned into that and just going like, ‘This is amazing. We’re getting to have porridge and it’s funny, and we’re wearing silly hats.’” She added that while some parents may prioritise efficiency, they value the fun and joy of family life above all else.
Work/life balance
Fielding’s role as a host on The Great British Bake Off has also had a positive impact on his work-life balance, particularly after becoming a father. He explained in an interview with The Guardian that the timing of the show’s offer aligned perfectly with the new phase of his life as a parent. “When I got this job, I’d just had my first child, I was painting a lot and had a different lifestyle,” he recalled. “This show fitted that phase. You want to match your career to where you are in life. It’s mainstream, family-friendly, and my kids love it, so it suits me.”
Noel Fielding’s family life, though private, is marked by a strong sense of love, laughter, and creativity. His role as a father and partner has brought new joys and challenges, which he balances with his successful career. The comedian’s life may have its ups and downs, but his focus on family remains at the heart of his personal world.