Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan, the comedy duo now gracing our screens in the second series of Celebrity Traitors, have admitted they once feared their partnership would not survive the fickle world of television. The pair, who met as unknowns on the comedy circuit nearly two decades ago, tell us their friendship has only grown stronger despite the pressures of fame.
Why did the comedy duo fear working together?
Speaking exclusively to the British Daily, Rob, 40, confessed that the prospect of working together on their Sky show, now in its ninth series, brought genuine anxiety. “We were close before, but now we're like brothers,” he said. “I love Romesh to pieces, and my biggest fear was: 'I hope this show didn't make us drift apart like some people on TV do.'”
Far from damaging their bond, the experience has reinforced it. “If anything, our friendship has increased and we've become stronger. The TV just becomes less important, which is the best way it could be,” Rob added.
What makes their partnership so successful?
Romesh, 48, a former maths teacher, described their BAFTA-award-winning success as “an incredible thing.” He said: “When you think back to all of the different stuff we've done, I feel very lucky to have done it with Rob. Rob is one of the most talented comics I've ever seen. So that opportunity to do a show with him and he's a mate, it's an incredible thing. I don't think either of us take it for granted.”
The pair first crossed paths around 18 years ago, gigging for “no money” on the comedy circuit. Before fame, Rob worked as an office temp while Romesh taught mathematics. Their slow and steady rise allowed them to leave their day jobs behind, and their friendship blossomed into what they describe as brotherhood.
How have they balanced friendship with family life?
Their bond extends beyond the stage. Last summer, the two families holidayed together, with Rob's wife Lou and their two daughters joining Romesh's wife Leesa and their three sons, Alex, 16, Theo, 14, and Charlie, 11. It is a testament to a friendship that has weathered the demands of showbusiness.
What adventures have Rob and Romesh embarked on?
Their on-screen chemistry has taken them around the world. From fierce New York rap battles with hip-hop giants the Wu-Tang Clan to racing Usain Bolt in Jamaica and performing Shakespeare at The Globe with Martin Freeman, they have done it all. They even landed roles in a Bollywood movie in Mumbai.
The latest series, airing from Wednesday, sees the best pals trying everything from Kung-Fu to vampire hunting to the Tour De France. The cycling challenge, in particular, proved a humbling experience.
“Cycling was a challenge, just the Lycra from a morale point of view,” Rob admitted. “We hit rock bottom on the Champs Elysées. I'll never look at that roundabout without thinking of my back fat. Even if you're ripped you look like a tw*t. It's Japanese knotweed for the body. Once it's on, everything falls apart.”
Romesh added: “Images of ourselves in Lycra led both of us to go on quite a severe health kick. People were taking photos and tagging us, you click on your socials and set fire to your self-esteem.”
“I didn't read the comments, just saw a picture and that ruined my week,” Rob said. “Luckily, millions of people are about to watch it on Sky.”
When does Rob & Romesh Vs return?
Rob & Romesh Vs returns to Sky and streaming service NOW on 14 October.
Photo: Mirror