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Katie Hopkins

Katie Hopkins is an English media personality and political commentator who first became widely known as a contestant on the 2007 series of The Apprentice.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Katie Hopkins is an English media personality and political commentator who first became widely known as a contestant on the 2007 series of The Apprentice. She has since built a public profile through television, columns, and social media, and is known for controversial and outspoken commentary. Sources describe her as a far-right commentator; she joined the UK Independence Party in 2021.

Early life and background

Katie Hopkins was born in Barnstaple, England, in 1975. Public biographies identify her birth name as Katie Olivia Hopkins.

Career

Hopkins became known after appearing on The Apprentice in 2007. She later worked in broadcasting, commentary, and newspaper columns, and has been described as a media personality and columnist.

Public image and controversy

Hopkins is known for sharply opinionated commentary that has attracted strong publicity and criticism. Reporting and reference sources describe her as controversial and, in some cases, as a far-right commentator.

Political activity

Hopkins has publicly aligned with right-wing politics and joined UKIP in 2021. Her political statements have been part of her broader public profile.

Key facts

  • She was born Katie Olivia Hopkins on 13 February 1975 in Barnstaple, England.
  • She rose to public attention through the third series of The Apprentice in 2007.
  • She has worked as a media personality, columnist, political commentator, and businesswoman.
  • She has been widely associated with controversial and outspoken statements in the press and on social media.
  • In 2021, she joined the UK Independence Party (UKIP).

Frequently asked questions

Who is Katie Hopkins?
Katie Hopkins is an English media personality, columnist, and political commentator known for her public controversies and outspoken views.
What made Katie Hopkins famous?
She first became widely known as a contestant on the 2007 series of The Apprentice.
What is Katie Hopkins’s full name?
Her birth name is Katie Olivia Hopkins.
What political party is Katie Hopkins associated with?
She joined the UK Independence Party (UKIP) in 2021.
What is Katie Hopkins known for in the media?
She is known for commentary on politics and social issues, and for public statements that have drawn criticism and extensive coverage.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katie_Hopkins
    Supports: Birth name, date and place of birth, occupations, public prominence from The Apprentice, and UKIP membership in 2021.
  2. BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/trxrN1qm2tcXg8H9Pd0m9z/katie-hopkins
    Supports: Public notoriety from The Apprentice and subsequent media career.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35064554
    Supports: Background on how Hopkins first became publicly prominent and notable public comments.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2682570/bio/
    Supports: Birth name and birth date/place.
  5. Hope Not Hate — https://hopenothate.org.uk/case-files-katie-hopkins/
    Supports: Description of Hopkins as a provocative far-right former columnist and social media figure.