From Comedy Partners to Lifelong Friends
The story of Ronni Ancona and Alistair McGowan represents one of British comedy's most compelling narratives - a tale of creative brilliance born from personal turmoil. The duo, who created and starred in the BAFTA-winning sketch show Big Impression between 1999 and 2003, have opened up about their complex relationship journey from romantic partners to eternal friends.
Meeting on the London comedy circuit in the 1990s, their connection was immediate. McGowan recalls being captivated by Ancona's Marilyn Monroe impression during a performance on a boat. "She reminded me of Diane Keaton in Annie Hall," he reveals. "Daffy, independent, fiercely intelligent." Their professional chemistry soon blossomed into romance, beginning a seven-year relationship that would ultimately shape their future collaboration.
The Breakup That Forged a Creative Partnership
In a surprising twist of fate, the couple separated in 1999, just months before filming the first series of what would become their breakthrough show. The timing created what Ancona describes as "a huge amount of awkwardness, but also a frisson; like atoms colliding." Rather than destroying their working relationship, the emotional intensity fueled their creativity.
McGowan reflects emotionally on this period: "The story of Ronni and I is still very moving to me. She's so gorgeous - she just takes your breath away. But we had a tempestuous relationship." He acknowledges the pain and hurt that lingered alongside "great passion and love for the time we spent together."
Their different backgrounds and personalities created both tension and creative magic. McGowan describes their contrasting comedic styles: "Ronni is more surreal, and I am all about words and puns." This difference extended to their approach to life, with McGowan characterising their dynamic as "dogs and logs" versus "cats and rats."
Big Impression: Channeling Personal Dynamics into Comedy Gold
Their BAFTA-winning show Big Impression became one of the BBC's most popular sketch programmes, launching at the dawn of celebrity culture's explosion. The duo specialised in celebrity couple impressions, including their famous takes on Richard and Judy, Posh and Becks.
Most revealing was their material about Sven and Nancy, which McGowan admits was "really a reflection on our relationship. It was about a strong woman and an acquiescent bloke." He adds, "When I see it now, I feel moved because these characters are tinged with the reality of our dynamic."
Ancona reflects on the challenges of being a woman in comedy during that era: "Generally there was more sexism in comedy in those days and there were a lot of times where I ended up feeling as if I was behind a reception desk." Despite these frustrations, their personal history gave them a unique creative shorthand that nobody else could replicate.
Why Friendship Outlasted Romance
Both comedians are remarkably candid about why their relationship couldn't survive, yet their friendship has endured for decades. Ancona states bluntly: "I actually think we would have killed each other if we'd stayed together. Instead, our friendship is eternal."
McGowan describes their connection as "elusive but deep and electric," noting that they never go longer than three months without contact. He's developed an understanding of Ancona's patterns over twenty years, recognising that her annual silence in August simply means she's busy with family during the summer holidays.
Ancona appreciates the qualities in McGowan that might drive others away: "He's so pedantic and controlling in ways that would normally drive me insane. Somehow I really like those maddening qualities in him." Their bond has survived different partners and life changes, with Ancona now counting McGowan's wife among her friends.
Looking back on their BAFTA-winning success, both have found perspective. McGowan initially felt annoyance that their big break didn't lead to more television opportunities, but eventually realised: "Weren't we lucky to have had that time at all?" He has since shifted focus to music and poetry, while Ancona continues to create, recently launching a new podcast with Hal Cruttenden.
Their story stands as a testament to the enduring power of creative partnerships that transcend romantic relationships, proving that sometimes the most important connections are those that evolve rather than end.
