July 25, 2025
Susan Riddell :
Susan Riddell, a Glasgow-based Scottish comedian, writer, and actor, has been a rising star in the UK comedy scene, known for her work on BBC Scotland’s Scot Squad, Breaking the News, and her stand-up shows. In 2025, however, she made headlines for cancelling her Edinburgh Fringe show due to legal issues.
Who Is Susan Riddell?
Susan Riddell is a 42-year-old comedian celebrated for her relatable humor and natural stage presence. Key highlights include:
- Career: Regular panelist on BBC Scotland’s Breaking the News and The Good, the Bad and the Unexpected. She wrote and starred in the BBC mini-sitcom pilot Dregs (2021) and presented BBC Edinburgh Unlocked. Riddell co-hosts the Material Girl podcast with Amanda Dwyer, with a monthly live show at Glasgow’s Stand Comedy Club.avalonuk.comthestand.co.uk
- Accolades: Nominated for the Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award (2024) and named in The List’s Hot 100 (2024). She was runner-up in the Funny Women Stage Awards (2017) and has over 30 million TikTok views.thestand.co.uk
- Fringe History: Her 2022 Fringe show, Living My 2nd Best Life, earned 4-star reviews for its accessible comedy about dating apps and everyday life. Her 2019 debut, Duvet Day, celebrated laziness with a wedding dress-themed poster.chortle.co.uksundaypost.com
2025 Controversy: Terror Charges and Fringe Cancellation
In July 2025, Susan Riddell faced serious legal issues that led to the cancellation of her Edinburgh Fringe show, How Do You Sleep at Night?, scheduled for a month-long run at Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Tron) from July 28, 2025. Here’s what happened:
- Incident: On July 15, 2025, a Ford Transit van was allegedly driven into the perimeter fence of Leonardo UK’s defense factory on Crewe Road North, Edinburgh, with white paint thrown over its windows. The action, linked to the Shut Down Leonardo campaign, protested Leonardo’s alleged supply of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel (denied by Leonardo, which primarily serves the UK armed forces).bbc.comnews.sky.com
- Charges: Riddell, 42, along with Allegra Fitzherbert, 34, and Naomi Stubbs-Gorman, 31, were arrested and charged with malicious mischief “aggravated by having a terrorist connection.” Riddell also faces a dangerous driving charge under the Road Traffic Act 1988, similarly aggravated.news.sky.comdailyrecord.co.uk
- Court Appearance: At a private hearing via videolink at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on July 21, 2025, the trio made no plea. Riddell and Fitzherbert were granted bail, but Riddell’s bail conditions bar her from entering Edinburgh, forcing the cancellation of her Fringe show. Stubbs-Gorman’s bail decision was deferred to July 22. No date is set for their next appearance.bbc.comchortle.co.uk
- Public Reaction: Around 100 pro-Palestinian protesters rallied outside the court, showing support. Fellow comedian Amanda Dwyer posted on Instagram, noting Riddell’s gratitude for the support. X posts, like those from @chortle and @LBCNewsScot, highlight the cancellation’s impact, with some users (@LegalScot) framing it as activism, while others (@Trailer_Swift69) focus on her career setback.chortle.co.uk
- Statement: Riddell posted on Instagram: “Thanks to everyone who has shared my Edinburgh fringe show but unfortunately due to bail conditions I’m barred from Edinburgh for the foreseeable, so I won’t be doing my show.”chortle.co.uk
Susan Riddell : What’s Next ?
- Legal Outcome: The charges remain unproven, and the ongoing Police Scotland Counter Terrorism Unit investigation seeks information on a blue Ford Transit van and a white Honda CR-Z seen in Gorgie Road on July 14–15, 2025. The case’s outcome will determine Riddell’s future in comedy.dailyrecord.co.uk
- Career Impact: The cancellation disrupts her Fringe run, a key platform drawing 2.7 million attendees in 2024. Her Scot Squad role and podcast may face scrutiny, but her 30 million TikTok views and tour support for comedians like Fern Brady and Larry Dean suggest resilience.thestand.co.uk
- Alternative Shows: U.S. travellers attending the Edinburgh Fringe (August 1–25) can explore other comedy acts at Monkey Barrel or Gilded Balloon, bookable via www.edfringe.com.
Final Thoughts About Susan Riddell
Susan Riddell, a talented Scottish comedian, faced a major setback in 2025 with terror-related charges tied to a pro-Palestinian protest at Leonardo UK’s Edinburgh factory, leading to the cancellation of her Fringe show How Do You Sleep at Night?. Her career, built on Scot Squad, BBC radio, and sold-out Glasgow shows, remains strong, but the legal outcome is pending. U.S. travellers can still enjoy the Edinburgh Fringe or explore UK comedy elsewhere. Check www.edfringe.com for events and www.bbc.co.uk for updates on Riddell’s case.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Charges against Riddell are unproven; verify legal updates www.bbc.co.uk.
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