How a history student became a powerhouse of British comedy
In short: Vicki Pepperdine did not initially set her sights on television. After studying History of Art at the University of East Anglia, she transitioned from publishing and advertising to the East 15 Acting School. Today, she is a celebrated actress and writer, known for her sharp wit and long-standing creative partnerships.
Pepperdine's career is defined by versatility and collaboration. She rose to prominence through her work on the BBC sitcom Getting On (2009–2012), where she co-wrote and starred as Dr. Pippa Moore. This project was a major success, earning her a nomination for a BAFTA TV Award and a British Comedy Award. The series was so impactful that it was later adapted into a three-season HBO production, for which Pepperdine served as an executive producer. Her success with the sitcom was further bolstered by winning a Royal Television Society Award for Best Writing in Comedy. She also shared a Writers' Guild of Great Britain award for the same series.
Her creative output often focuses on the female experience. She co-established the production firm George & George with Joanna Scanlan, adopting the names of George Eliot and George Sand—notable figures who adopted masculine pen names to achieve professional status. This company aims to commission stories centered on women, a mission reflected in projects like the improvisational comedy Puppy Love, which explores the chaotic reality of dog ownership in the UK. This commitment to female-led narratives is evident in her work on the sitcom Up the Women, which explores the lives of women during the Suffragette movement.
Pepperdine is also noted for her frequent collaborations with comedian Julia Davis. Their partnership spans several projects, including the dark comedy Nighty Night (2004) and the Sky Atlantic series Camping (2016). Most recently, they have worked together on the improvised podcast Dear Joan and Jericha (2018–2025), where they play two unhelpful agony aunts, providing a platform for their unique brand of comedic storytelling. Beyond television and radio, Pepperdine has also ventured into literature. She recently released a book titled Why He Turns Away, which was co-authored with Davis.
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