Ben Elton is an atheist. Elton studied at Stillness Junior School and Godalming Grammar School in Surrey, South Warwickshire College in Stratford-upon-Avon and the University of Manchester. His first television appearance was a stand-up performance on the BBC1 youth and music programme, The "Oxford Road Show". His first TV success, at 23, came as co-writer of the television sitcom, "The Young Ones", in which he occasionally appeared. In 1983/84 he wrote and appeared in Granada Television's sketch show "Alfresco", which was also notable for early appearances by Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson and Robbie Coltrane. In 1985, Elton produced his first
Paul Powell (writer) 4 sketch show "We Know Everything." With Dan Gaster, Will Ing and Ben Silburn, he wrote and performed in "Stuff The Week," a late night topical comedy show for ITV. His television work includes Miranda, Alexander Armstrong's Big Ask, Al Murray’s Happy Hour, Have I Got News For You, Mock The Week, Would I Lie To You, Smith & Jones, The One Griff, TV To Go, The Guest List, Top Gear, Text Santa, Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor and co-writing two episodes of Life Of Riley. "Saying Goodbye" -- which he wrote for Smack The Pony -- was named