Frances Ryan
@francesryan.bsky.social
Guardian columnist and journalist. Commentator of the Year 2024. Author of Who Wants Normal? and Crippled.
E: frances.ryan.freelance@guardian.co.uk
E: frances.ryan.freelance@guardian.co.uk
Pinned
Frances Ryan
@francesryan.bsky.social
· Apr 17
Four years on an iPhone in bed later, Who Wants Normal? is finally out in the world today.
Part memoir, part guide, it features 50+ of Britain’s best known disabled women. I hope it makes you laugh, possibly cry, and feel seen.
Order all formats here: linktr.ee/WhoWantsNormal
Part memoir, part guide, it features 50+ of Britain’s best known disabled women. I hope it makes you laugh, possibly cry, and feel seen.
Order all formats here: linktr.ee/WhoWantsNormal
Reposted by Frances Ryan
this was way more prevalent when i was still on tiktok but it feels like people are getting really weird about alcohol, coffee, anything that might make you happy--even in innocuous amounts! feels like we're re-engineering puritanism as a method of maintaining control (over ourselves, each other)
starting to feel like there's a direct relationship between the growing obsession with lifestyle hygeine (no drinking, no caffeine, no sex, obsessive working out and looksmaxxing) and the inability to meaningful moral stands on issues of actual import
Cafes across the U.S. are embracing the low- and no-caffeine lifestyle, with options that are a far cry from dusty tea bags and rewarmed decaf. nyti.ms/3XKlqoj
February 9, 2026 at 6:05 PM
this was way more prevalent when i was still on tiktok but it feels like people are getting really weird about alcohol, coffee, anything that might make you happy--even in innocuous amounts! feels like we're re-engineering puritanism as a method of maintaining control (over ourselves, each other)
Such an incredibly classy response from Melinda French Gates on allegations against ex-husband, Bill. That she’s been more grilled on Epstein than any of the men accused of abuse says so much. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Bill Gates says he ‘regrets’ knowing Epstein as ex-wife alludes to ‘muck’ in marriage
Melinda French Gates insists Microsoft founder has questions to answer over his relationship with Epstein
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Such an incredibly classy response from Melinda French Gates on allegations against ex-husband, Bill. That she’s been more grilled on Epstein than any of the men accused of abuse says so much. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
One of those deaths that makes you shout, “oh no!” at the phone, which I suppose is the very modern tribute to a wonderful career. Thanks for the decades of laughs, Catherine. www.theguardian.com/film/2026/ja...
Catherine O’Hara, actor known for Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, dies aged 71
The actor, known for roles in Schitt’s Creek, Home Alone and Best in Show, has died with cause of death unknown
www.theguardian.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:46 PM
One of those deaths that makes you shout, “oh no!” at the phone, which I suppose is the very modern tribute to a wonderful career. Thanks for the decades of laughs, Catherine. www.theguardian.com/film/2026/ja...
So lovely to get this package from @thehealthpsych.bsky.social to celebrate the upcoming publication of It’s All In Your Body.
If you have a chronic health condition, this book really could be a life-changer. Pre-order: www.waterstones.com/book/its-all...
If you have a chronic health condition, this book really could be a life-changer. Pre-order: www.waterstones.com/book/its-all...
January 30, 2026 at 12:10 PM
So lovely to get this package from @thehealthpsych.bsky.social to celebrate the upcoming publication of It’s All In Your Body.
If you have a chronic health condition, this book really could be a life-changer. Pre-order: www.waterstones.com/book/its-all...
If you have a chronic health condition, this book really could be a life-changer. Pre-order: www.waterstones.com/book/its-all...
I’m sorry but this couple should not have children. That wasn’t the question asked but nonetheless, that’s the urgent one. You have conflicting lifestyles and values! This will only end in misery for both of you! www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
You be the judge: should my husband stop expecting me to come to all his family gatherings?
Edwin wants Chloe to join him at all of his large family’s events, but she values her independence. You decide who is plying happy families
www.theguardian.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:58 AM
I’m sorry but this couple should not have children. That wasn’t the question asked but nonetheless, that’s the urgent one. You have conflicting lifestyles and values! This will only end in misery for both of you! www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
It’s funny how Kemi Badenoch thinks “mental health” has impacted Suella Braverman’s behaviour. I thought Kemi didn’t really believe in anxiety or depression? I guess that’s just for benefit claimants.
January 26, 2026 at 8:21 PM
It’s funny how Kemi Badenoch thinks “mental health” has impacted Suella Braverman’s behaviour. I thought Kemi didn’t really believe in anxiety or depression? I guess that’s just for benefit claimants.
Reform genuinely out here arguing Suella Braverman can’t have a mental health condition because *checks notes* she’s well-educated and has a successful career.
Try again, lads. Your bigotry is showing.
Try again, lads. Your bigotry is showing.
January 26, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Reform genuinely out here arguing Suella Braverman can’t have a mental health condition because *checks notes* she’s well-educated and has a successful career.
Try again, lads. Your bigotry is showing.
Try again, lads. Your bigotry is showing.
Tory defections were useful to Reform at the start but are now a real risk. There is little sense in packing the party full of the very politicians the electorate overwhelmingly voted out. You can’t pitch to fix the country whilst hiring the Home Secretary and cabinet who broke it.
January 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Tory defections were useful to Reform at the start but are now a real risk. There is little sense in packing the party full of the very politicians the electorate overwhelmingly voted out. You can’t pitch to fix the country whilst hiring the Home Secretary and cabinet who broke it.
Suella Braverman is clearly a bloody awful figure but a low blow for the Tory leadership to comment on her mental health. “The Conservatives did all we could to look after Suella’s mental health” is all a bit “she looks tired.” Braverman is a careerist racist. That’s more than enough to criticise.
January 26, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Suella Braverman is clearly a bloody awful figure but a low blow for the Tory leadership to comment on her mental health. “The Conservatives did all we could to look after Suella’s mental health” is all a bit “she looks tired.” Braverman is a careerist racist. That’s more than enough to criticise.
An exquisite detail from my @theguardian.com news colleagues on why Robert Jenrick was late to meet Nigel Farage onstage today.
January 15, 2026 at 9:26 PM
An exquisite detail from my @theguardian.com news colleagues on why Robert Jenrick was late to meet Nigel Farage onstage today.
Pleased at least some of the media are saying this stuff out loud.
Sky's Rob Powell asks Nigel Farage that, given Robert Jenrick is the 7th person to have served in Boris Johnson's government to defect to Reform, how can his party be "a new, reforming force" when it is "bringing in so many people who caused the mess that you're trying to clean up"
January 15, 2026 at 5:25 PM
Pleased at least some of the media are saying this stuff out loud.
There’s clear benefits to Nigel Farage embracing Tory defectors: it reinforces idea Tories are dying and Reform are the victors. But it’s a funny thing to take on ministers who screwed up what you’re criticising from a party the public voted out. If the Tories are dead, why smile with their ghosts?
January 15, 2026 at 5:02 PM
There’s clear benefits to Nigel Farage embracing Tory defectors: it reinforces idea Tories are dying and Reform are the victors. But it’s a funny thing to take on ministers who screwed up what you’re criticising from a party the public voted out. If the Tories are dead, why smile with their ghosts?
Tory MPs leaving the disgraced party and trying to get elected under the Reform banner.
January 15, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Tory MPs leaving the disgraced party and trying to get elected under the Reform banner.
I can only respect Peter Kay for not wanting Phoenix Nights on streaming because a part of the humour has racism in it (like so much of 2000 era comedy) but 25 years on, I still mourn the fact I can’t see “shabba!” again unless I YouTube a grainy DVD recording. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Phoenix Nights: 25 years since Peter Kay’s record-breaking TV comedy like no other
The eccentric, sharp-eyed sitcom was so loved that it was once the fastest-selling DVD ever. A quarter of a century on from its Channel 4 debut, why has it fallen so far off the radar?
www.theguardian.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:39 PM
I can only respect Peter Kay for not wanting Phoenix Nights on streaming because a part of the humour has racism in it (like so much of 2000 era comedy) but 25 years on, I still mourn the fact I can’t see “shabba!” again unless I YouTube a grainy DVD recording. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Today is 10 years of my Guardian column. When I started writing it in 2016 - back then under the (ironic) Hardworking Britain campaigning title - George Osborne was Chancellor, Covid hadn’t entered the lexicon, and Twitter had memes rather than revenge porn. Forgive me a very brief reflection.
January 14, 2026 at 10:22 AM
Today is 10 years of my Guardian column. When I started writing it in 2016 - back then under the (ironic) Hardworking Britain campaigning title - George Osborne was Chancellor, Covid hadn’t entered the lexicon, and Twitter had memes rather than revenge porn. Forgive me a very brief reflection.
The year ended with hysteria that disabled people are getting “free BMWs” through Motability. As 2026 begins, @theipaper.com asked me: what are disabled people in Britain really getting from the state? And what should politicians actually be arguing for? inews.co.uk/opinion/mota...
Angry about Motability? Disabled people face a far bigger crisis
Forget free luxury cars, many disabled people in Britain struggle to afford regular meals
inews.co.uk
January 13, 2026 at 7:58 PM
The year ended with hysteria that disabled people are getting “free BMWs” through Motability. As 2026 begins, @theipaper.com asked me: what are disabled people in Britain really getting from the state? And what should politicians actually be arguing for? inews.co.uk/opinion/mota...
2025 ended with a backlash against disabled people supposedly getting “free BMWs” on Motability. To kick off 2026, the @theipaper.com asked me: what do disabled people in Britain really get from the state? And what do they actually need? inews.co.uk/opinion/mota...
Angry about Motability? Disabled people face a far bigger crisis
Forget free luxury cars, many disabled people in Britain struggle to afford regular meals
inews.co.uk
January 13, 2026 at 12:45 PM
2025 ended with a backlash against disabled people supposedly getting “free BMWs” on Motability. To kick off 2026, the @theipaper.com asked me: what do disabled people in Britain really get from the state? And what do they actually need? inews.co.uk/opinion/mota...
There’s been a bit of fuss in recent days after tabloids picked up comments I made over media coverage of Jesy Nelson’s brave campaign for her twins. When I posted on Instagram, broadcaster - and fellow disabled blonde wheelchair user - Sophie Morgan amplified my remarks. Cue: MANY HEADLINES. 1/3
January 13, 2026 at 10:55 AM
There’s been a bit of fuss in recent days after tabloids picked up comments I made over media coverage of Jesy Nelson’s brave campaign for her twins. When I posted on Instagram, broadcaster - and fellow disabled blonde wheelchair user - Sophie Morgan amplified my remarks. Cue: MANY HEADLINES. 1/3
There is surely no greater January ritual than reading The Guardian’s “50 must see shows for the year.”
New Rivals! Malcolm in the Middle returns! A Game of Thrones spin-off that remembers humour! Lisa McGee’s follow up to Derry Girls! We are spoilt. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
New Rivals! Malcolm in the Middle returns! A Game of Thrones spin-off that remembers humour! Lisa McGee’s follow up to Derry Girls! We are spoilt. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
The 50 must-see TV shows for 2026
The return of hit bonkbuster Rivals, the horny hockey show taking the world by storm, Richard Gadd’s follow-up to Baby Reindeer … and Buffy is back! Here’s your complete guide to 2026’s unmissable tel...
www.theguardian.com
January 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM
There is surely no greater January ritual than reading The Guardian’s “50 must see shows for the year.”
New Rivals! Malcolm in the Middle returns! A Game of Thrones spin-off that remembers humour! Lisa McGee’s follow up to Derry Girls! We are spoilt. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
New Rivals! Malcolm in the Middle returns! A Game of Thrones spin-off that remembers humour! Lisa McGee’s follow up to Derry Girls! We are spoilt. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Thanks to everyone who bought, shared, or reviewed Who Wants Normal? in 2025. It was a brutal news year for disability rights (like much else) and reading your messages about how the book gave you a lift was a huge highlight.
December 31, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Thanks to everyone who bought, shared, or reviewed Who Wants Normal? in 2025. It was a brutal news year for disability rights (like much else) and reading your messages about how the book gave you a lift was a huge highlight.
On the list of “must read articles you might have missed in 2025”, this on one man dealing with NHS wheelchair services is up there (and is much more fascinating and maddening than it might sound). www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
‘I wish I could say I kept my cool’: my maddening experience with the NHS wheelchair service
The long read: After I was paralysed in a climbing accident, I discovered how inconsiderate, illogical and incompetent many wheelchair providers can be
www.theguardian.com
December 31, 2025 at 11:08 AM
On the list of “must read articles you might have missed in 2025”, this on one man dealing with NHS wheelchair services is up there (and is much more fascinating and maddening than it might sound). www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Reposted by Frances Ryan
wow, sorry. Deleting now. I didn’t know she was French
December 29, 2025 at 8:31 PM
wow, sorry. Deleting now. I didn’t know she was French
If you’re looking for a festive watch, I reviewed Finding Father Christmas (Ch4) - a one off special starring Lenny Rush and James Buckley, with a cameo from Stephen Fry being a Very Good Sport.
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Finding Father Christmas review – Lenny Rush and James Buckley’s chemistry is just wonderful
The father-and-dad pair are a total delight in this tale of a 16-year-old trying to prove Santa’s existence. They deserve a whole new episode together
www.theguardian.com
December 26, 2025 at 12:48 PM
If you’re looking for a festive watch, I reviewed Finding Father Christmas (Ch4) - a one off special starring Lenny Rush and James Buckley, with a cameo from Stephen Fry being a Very Good Sport.
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...