Gina Yashere

Regina Obedapo Iyashere is a British comedian, actress and writer who has made numerous appearances on British and American television. She co-created the sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, on which she plays a supporting role. Early life Yashere was born and raised in Bethnal Green, London to Nigerian parents. Before becoming a comedian, she worked as a lift maintenance technician and engineer (the company's first female to do so, all of which she mentions in her stand-up routine). She uses the surname "Yashere" due to encountering common mispronunciation of her original surname. Career Yashere was a finalist in the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year competition in 1996. She has appeared in a number of television programmes, including in the comedy series The Lenny Henry Show, where she played Tanya and Mrs Omokorede, the pushy mum. She voiced Keisha on the animated series Bromwell High. In 2005, she appeared on the reality television series Comic Relief does Fame Academy, in aid of Comic Relief, and she co-hosted the 2006 and 2007 MOBO Awards alongside 2Baba and Coolio. She has made numerous appearances on Mock the Week, and appeared on the CBBC show Gina's Laughing Gear.