Susan Calman has followed up her book Cheer Up, Love, a funny, poignant and personal memoir on her life battling with, and finally coming to terms with her depression – personified by Susan as the Crab of Hate with Sunny Side Up, a one-woman campaign to spread joy and kindness among the nation in what feels like a dark, shouty time for the world. Inspired by her time on Strictly Come Dancing, Susan’s second book Sunny Side Up is published today!
Born in Glasgow, Susan Calman escaped corporate law in 2006 to become a stand-up comedian. She’s now a regular on radio and television panel shows like QI, The News Quiz and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue and has presented Armchair Detectives, the recent travel series Secret Scotland and her podcast Mrs Brightside. She recently appeared on Strictly Come Dancing where she made it all the way to Week Ten. Even more excitingly, she won the Glitterball on the Strictly Live tour.
An advocate for LGBTQ+ and mental health issues, Susan lives with her wife and cats in Glasgow. Susan tweeted about the book: “I think we all need a bit of kindness and joy in life. I really hope you enjoy it.”
Kevin Clifton, Susan’s Strictly dance partner said: “Not only is Susan ridiculously funny but she is also one of the kindest people I have ever met. The time we spent dancing together on Strictly was so much more than dance lessons. We laughed, cried and built a wonderful friendship and I learned as much from her as she did from me. I have always believed that the best dancers are the ones who have an ability to make people feel something and to make people smile. Susan does this on and off the dance floor which in my opinion makes her both a beautiful dancer and a beautiful person.”
Kirstie Allsop says: “If you think Susan Calman is sweet and funny you’d be wrong . . . she’s hysterical and divine and one of the most life enhancing people you’ll ever come across. If you can have ups and downs and come out like Susan then there’s hope, lots of it. Be good, be kind, be more like Susan Calman.”
Sandi Toksvig says: “Be kind to yourself – read this book, keep it on your bedside table or on your Kindle – even Kindle has the word kind in it.”
Susan Calman: Sunny Side Up is available to order here and in all good bookstores.
