| Birth Name: | Marina Nigrelli |
| Occupation: | Political commentator |
Marina Purkiss (née Nigrelli) is a British political commentator who rose to prominence in 2022 with commentaries on politics and current affairs on mainstream television, including Jeremy Vine on Channel 5 and Good Morning Britain on ITV. Her commentary has attracted attention on social media and in newspapers.[1]
Purkiss was born in the UK to Italian parents. She grew up in Harrow, and made an early appearance on a BBC website as an inconsolable fan after Italy were knocked out of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in the round of 16.[2] Purkiss graduated from the University of Portsmouth with a degree in marketing in 2007, and then worked as a marketing manager for 15 years.[3] [4]
Purkiss first became politically engaged in 2016, following the EU referendum,[5] using social media as a platform for commentary. Purkiss has over 400,000 followers on Twitter, is a contributor to Byline Times, and co-hosts a 'politically charged (but fun)' podcast, The Trawl, with Jemma Forte.[6]
In April 2023, a discussion between Purkiss and Conservative politician Jacob Rees Mogg on GB News went viral. She later stated that she would never appear on GB News again.[7] [8] Later that week, Purkiss was a guest for the first time on the topical BBC TV panel game Have I Got News For You.[9]
Purkiss is married to Ben Purkiss, a former professional footballer. They have two children and live in London.[10]