Most stand-up comedians don’t hold a PhD in virology, but Ria Lina does — and she’s built a career that bridges the precision of a scientist with the sharp edge of a satirist. The British‑Filipina comic’s latest tour, RIABELLION, is filling venues across the UK and Ireland, cementing her as one of the most distinctive voices in British comedy.

Known for: Stand‑up, writing, acting ·
Notable TV appearances: Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You, The Now Show ·
Tour: RIABELLION (2025/2026) ·
Instagram followers: 105,000+ ·
Born: 4 March 1987

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Any current medical condition – no verified public statement exists
  • Current romantic partner or marital status
  • Exact net worth figure – not disclosed by reliable sources
3Key achievements
  • Appeared on Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You, The Now Show (IMDb profile)
  • Telegraph selected Riawakening as one of the 10 best comedy shows to book in 2024 (Ria Lina official site)
  • Described as the only Filipina comedian in British stand-up (Ria Lina official site)
4Background
  • Born 4 March 1987 (Ria Lina official site)
  • Birthplace: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England (IMDb)
  • Previously worked in IT forensics at the Serious Fraud Office (Ria Lina official site)

“Ria Lina is a British comedian, actress and writer.”

— Ria Lina official biography

Key facts: Ria Lina
Full name Ria Lina
Born 4 March 1987
Nationality British (English)
Occupation Comedian, actress, writer
Education BSc in Experimental Pathology, MSc in Forensic Science, PhD in Virology
Known for Stand-up, Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You
Tour RIABELLION (2025/2026)

The pattern: Ria Lina’s education and career path — from virology to forensic science to comedy — sets her apart from most stand-up performers.

What condition does Ria Lina have?

No verified medical condition has been publicly disclosed by Ria Lina or any credible source. Speculation online remains unsubstantiated.

Editorial judgment: In the absence of any verified disclosure from Ria Lina or a medical professional, unsubstantiated claims about her health should be treated as speculation, not fact.

What ethnicity is Ria Lina?

Ria Lina is British, born in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England. She has described herself as “British-Filipina,” and her official site notes she is the only Filipina comedian in British stand-up (Ria Lina official site). The British Comedy Guide labels her nationality as English.

What this means: Ria Lina’s British-Filipina heritage is a verified part of her public identity, but she has not specified a mixed or minority ethnic background beyond this self-description.

Is Ria Lina a doctor?

Ria Lina is not a medical doctor. She is a comedian, actress, and writer. Her PhD is in Virology — a scientific research doctorate — not a medical degree. Her official biography lists her education as a BSc in Experimental Pathology, an MSc in Forensic Science, and a PhD in Viral Bioinformatics (per HuffPost author bio).

What is Ria Lina famous for?

Ria Lina is best known for stand-up comedy, with notable TV appearances on Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You, The Now Show, and Steph’s Packed Lunch (IMDb). She is also a writer and actress, having worked across Amazon Prime, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, and Dave.

Ria Lina’s stand-up comedy

Her debut UK and Ireland tour, Riawakening, completed in 2024, was selected by the Telegraph as one of the 10 best comedy shows to book tickets for that year (Ria Lina official site). Her follow-up tour, RIABELLION, runs through 2025/2026 (Chortle tour listing).

Ria Lina’s TV appearances

She has appeared on panel shows such as Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You, and radio comedy The Now Show. Her IMDb profile lists credits across multiple UK broadcasters.

Ria Lina’s writing and acting

Beyond stand-up, Ria Lina has written for and appeared in television programmes produced by Amazon Prime, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, and Dave (IMDb).

“She is the only Filipina comedian in British stand-up.”

— Ria Lina official site

Who is Ria Lina’s partner?

Public information about Ria Lina’s current partner or marital status is not confirmed by reliable sources. She has been married and divorced, but her ex-husband is not named in verified sources.

Ria Lina’s marital status

No verified public statement from Ria Lina confirms a current romantic partner. Her official biography does not address her marital status.

Ria Lina’s ex husband

Information about her ex-husband is not available from reliable, verified sources. Speculation online should be treated with caution.

The bottom line: Ria Lina has deliberately kept details of her personal relationships private, and no named partner or ex-husband has been confirmed through verified channels.

“Ria Lina is a multi-award-winning British comedian with a distinctive accent and social commentary style.”

British Comedy Guide

Related reading: Adam Buxton: British Comedian, Podcaster and Actor

For a deeper look into her personal life and upcoming 2025 tour dates, check out Ria Linas biography and tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ria Lina’s nationality?

Ria Lina is British (English), born in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

What TV shows has Ria Lina been on?

She has appeared on Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You, The Now Show, and Steph’s Packed Lunch.

How can I book Ria Lina for an event?

Booking inquiries are typically handled through her agent or management, listed on her official website.

Does Ria Lina have a podcast?

Ria Lina does not currently host a regular podcast, though she has been a guest on various comedy and interview podcasts.

What is the title of Ria Lina’s current tour?

Her current tour is titled RIABELLION, running through 2025/2026.

The catch: While Ria Lina’s professional life is well-documented through official sources and media appearances, her personal life — particularly her health and relationships — remains private, with no verified disclosures available.