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
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...
I reviewed tonight’s Finding Father Christmas - a lovely one off special starring Lenny Rush and James Buckley, with cameos from Stephen Fry and more being Very Good Sports. 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 24, 2025 at 9:10 PM
I reviewed tonight’s Finding Father Christmas - a lovely one off special starring Lenny Rush and James Buckley, with cameos from Stephen Fry and more being Very Good Sports. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Reposted by Frances Ryan
Unbelievably, #DuvetKnowItsChristmas generates such good will on social media that over the years we've raised somewhere approaching a quarter of a million quid for homeless charities. If you can spare a bob or two, sling some to Centrepoint, and here's the link: www.gofundme.com/f/duvet-know...
Donate to Duvet Know It's Christmas, 2025, organized by Rhodri Marsden
Unbelievably, it's the 15th year of this thing.
What is it?
Improbably, the nig… Rhodri Marsden needs your support for Duvet Know It's Christmas, 2025
www.gofundme.com
December 24, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Unbelievably, #DuvetKnowItsChristmas generates such good will on social media that over the years we've raised somewhere approaching a quarter of a million quid for homeless charities. If you can spare a bob or two, sling some to Centrepoint, and here's the link: www.gofundme.com/f/duvet-know...
A really touching piece by @jaseokundaye.bsky.social on balancing the often complex family dynamics and emotions that Christmas can bring up. (With a side note of celebrity gossip.) www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Bad blood between the Beckhams at Christmas might seem trite. But here’s why it’s important | Jason Okundaye
It’s celebrity catnip, but beyond the headlines this is also a tale of family dysfunction. At this time of year, so many people know about that, says Guardian Opinion assistant editor Jason Okundaye
www.theguardian.com
December 23, 2025 at 8:19 PM
A really touching piece by @jaseokundaye.bsky.social on balancing the often complex family dynamics and emotions that Christmas can bring up. (With a side note of celebrity gossip.) www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
@thechiller.bsky.social I sent the book about a week ago second class. Hope it arrives and no fox disasters occur!
December 21, 2025 at 10:50 AM
@thechiller.bsky.social I sent the book about a week ago second class. Hope it arrives and no fox disasters occur!
I love this letter from a reader on why “we’re not doing presents this year!” is often a miserable, middle class pursuit. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
Sure, Christmas isn’t all about presents – for those lucky enough to afford their own treats | Letter
Letter: Those who suggest ‘not doing presents this year’ tend to be people who already have all the socks and candles they need, writes one reader
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:26 PM
I love this letter from a reader on why “we’re not doing presents this year!” is often a miserable, middle class pursuit. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
The last bit from me for 2025 is the (Christmas) Opinion newsletter where a different columnist writes each Saturday.
On the 27th, I’ll be reflecting on a bonfire year in news and why the Radio Times double issue should actually be longer.
Sign up here: www.theguardian.com/global/2025/...
On the 27th, I’ll be reflecting on a bonfire year in news and why the Radio Times double issue should actually be longer.
Sign up here: www.theguardian.com/global/2025/...
Sign up to Matters of Opinion: a weekly newsletter from our columnists and writers
Guardian columnists and writers on what they’ve been debating, thinking about, reading, and more
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:25 PM
The last bit from me for 2025 is the (Christmas) Opinion newsletter where a different columnist writes each Saturday.
On the 27th, I’ll be reflecting on a bonfire year in news and why the Radio Times double issue should actually be longer.
Sign up here: www.theguardian.com/global/2025/...
On the 27th, I’ll be reflecting on a bonfire year in news and why the Radio Times double issue should actually be longer.
Sign up here: www.theguardian.com/global/2025/...
Actual Good News: Labour has launched its fair funding formula for local councils. The aim is to push more cash towards deprived communities like Middlesbrough and Birmingham. And less for wealthier areas such as Kensington and the Home Counties. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Council funding deal: who are the winners and losers – and will tax bills rise?
Cash is now being distributed using a new Fair Funding formula that gives greater weighting to local authorities with high ‘deprivation’ scores
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Actual Good News: Labour has launched its fair funding formula for local councils. The aim is to push more cash towards deprived communities like Middlesbrough and Birmingham. And less for wealthier areas such as Kensington and the Home Counties. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
I’m unflinching in my belief in the right to strike but there surely has to be a line when it comes to cancelling people’s chemotherapy and radiotherapy. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Officials fear NHS will be hit hard after resident doctors reject latest offer
Wes Streeting and BMA urged to seek mediation as hospitals in England struggle amid flu outbreak
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:56 PM
I’m unflinching in my belief in the right to strike but there surely has to be a line when it comes to cancelling people’s chemotherapy and radiotherapy. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Dr Jack Fletcher, the chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, has accused Wes Streeting of “scaremongering the public into thinking that the NHS will not be able to look after them and their loved ones”.
Are you going to tell Dr. Fletcher or should I? www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Are you going to tell Dr. Fletcher or should I? www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Resident doctors in England vote to go ahead with strike
Five-day strike to start on Wednesday as Wes Streeting’s offer is rejected by BMA members in online ballot
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Dr Jack Fletcher, the chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, has accused Wes Streeting of “scaremongering the public into thinking that the NHS will not be able to look after them and their loved ones”.
Are you going to tell Dr. Fletcher or should I? www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Are you going to tell Dr. Fletcher or should I? www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
What horrific news about Rob Reiner and his wife. I only watched When Harry Met Sally again last week. Reiner surely had one of the best runs of any modern creative: This is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, WHMS, Misery, and A Few Good Men in just eight years. Terribly sad end but immovable legacy.
December 15, 2025 at 11:06 AM
What horrific news about Rob Reiner and his wife. I only watched When Harry Met Sally again last week. Reiner surely had one of the best runs of any modern creative: This is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, WHMS, Misery, and A Few Good Men in just eight years. Terribly sad end but immovable legacy.
There can’t be a more horrific insight into the sickness of the US’s gun crime epidemic than the fact two survivors of Brown University had already survived school shootings. One was shot in the abdomen in 2016, while her best friend died. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Two survivors of Brown University attack escaped other school shootings
Mia Tretta was shot in the abdomen in 2019 at a school near LA and Zoe Weissman witnessed a Florida shooting in 2018
www.theguardian.com
December 14, 2025 at 1:14 PM
There can’t be a more horrific insight into the sickness of the US’s gun crime epidemic than the fact two survivors of Brown University had already survived school shootings. One was shot in the abdomen in 2016, while her best friend died. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Frances Ryan
For those who don`t have a Lidl nearby , think of donating to actionforchilfren.org.uk . They operate a Secret Santa this time of year for children living in poverty .
actionforchilfren.org.uk
December 11, 2025 at 1:31 PM
For those who don`t have a Lidl nearby , think of donating to actionforchilfren.org.uk . They operate a Secret Santa this time of year for children living in poverty .
Reposted by Frances Ryan
[12hrs into my ice interrogation]
agent: in 2021 you posted “they should call him matt hardcock am i right fellas” can you explain that?
me: do you know who matt hancock is?
a:…
[43mins later]
a: he had his own app? for parkour?
me: no the parkour was a separate issue
agent: in 2021 you posted “they should call him matt hardcock am i right fellas” can you explain that?
me: do you know who matt hancock is?
a:…
[43mins later]
a: he had his own app? for parkour?
me: no the parkour was a separate issue
Want to travel to the US? You might have to give the Trump administration the last five years of your social media history.
US wants five years of some tourists' social media to enter the country
Digital rights advocates say it’s an affront to civil liberties.
www.motherjones.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:23 AM
[12hrs into my ice interrogation]
agent: in 2021 you posted “they should call him matt hardcock am i right fellas” can you explain that?
me: do you know who matt hancock is?
a:…
[43mins later]
a: he had his own app? for parkour?
me: no the parkour was a separate issue
agent: in 2021 you posted “they should call him matt hardcock am i right fellas” can you explain that?
me: do you know who matt hancock is?
a:…
[43mins later]
a: he had his own app? for parkour?
me: no the parkour was a separate issue
This is truly horrific. Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her three children, Denisty, 9, Oscar, 5, and baby Aubree were murdered by her sister’s ex-boyfriend. He blamed Bryonie for helping her sister leave him and set her house on fire with everyone inside. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Man guilty of murdering woman and three children in Bradford arson attack
Sharaz Ali, 40, was motivated by jealousy and fuelled by drugs and alcohol when he set fire to house, jury heard
www.theguardian.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:25 AM
This is truly horrific. Bryonie Gawith, 29, and her three children, Denisty, 9, Oscar, 5, and baby Aubree were murdered by her sister’s ex-boyfriend. He blamed Bryonie for helping her sister leave him and set her house on fire with everyone inside. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Lidl has put Toy Banks in stores where you can donate a gift for a child who wouldn’t otherwise have one on Christmas Day.
Must be unopened and dropped off by 15th. Wonderful thing to do if you can (and there’s loads of cheap but great toy deals online still). www.lidl.co.uk/c/christmas-...
Must be unopened and dropped off by 15th. Wonderful thing to do if you can (and there’s loads of cheap but great toy deals online still). www.lidl.co.uk/c/christmas-...
Lidl's Toy Bank Donation
We’ve brought back our Lidl Toy Bank Donation, in partnership with Neighbourly, where you can make unopened toy donations. Help share joy over Christmas.
www.lidl.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Lidl has put Toy Banks in stores where you can donate a gift for a child who wouldn’t otherwise have one on Christmas Day.
Must be unopened and dropped off by 15th. Wonderful thing to do if you can (and there’s loads of cheap but great toy deals online still). www.lidl.co.uk/c/christmas-...
Must be unopened and dropped off by 15th. Wonderful thing to do if you can (and there’s loads of cheap but great toy deals online still). www.lidl.co.uk/c/christmas-...
Finally saw Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. A wonderful return to form after the third but I worry it’s permanently ruined my Christmas rewatch of the original. Run, Bridget! There’s only heartbreak ahead!
December 10, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Finally saw Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. A wonderful return to form after the third but I worry it’s permanently ruined my Christmas rewatch of the original. Run, Bridget! There’s only heartbreak ahead!
Good on NHS leader, Daniel Elkeles, calling for a revival of mask-wearing during the current “tidal wave of flu.”
That trying to save lives is going to be highly controversial - and No. 10 are already sitting on the fence - is deeply depressing. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
That trying to save lives is going to be highly controversial - and No. 10 are already sitting on the fence - is deeply depressing. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
People urged to wear masks when they are ill as UK faces ‘tidal wave’ of flu
NHS Providers boss says those who are ‘coughing and sneezing’ should wear face coverings on public transport
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Good on NHS leader, Daniel Elkeles, calling for a revival of mask-wearing during the current “tidal wave of flu.”
That trying to save lives is going to be highly controversial - and No. 10 are already sitting on the fence - is deeply depressing. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
That trying to save lives is going to be highly controversial - and No. 10 are already sitting on the fence - is deeply depressing. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Over the last year, myths about the Motability scheme have spread online and in the right wing media. Now, some of it is government policy.
In today’s Guardian, I set about finding the facts and why the idea of “free cars for the disabled” has taken hold. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
In today’s Guardian, I set about finding the facts and why the idea of “free cars for the disabled” has taken hold. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Disabled people driving luxury cars on your dime? Just the latest rightwing lie peddled by Labour | Frances Ryan
Starmer’s ailing government is happy to pursue ideas like cutting Motability, but all ministers will do is damage lives and themselves, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Over the last year, myths about the Motability scheme have spread online and in the right wing media. Now, some of it is government policy.
In today’s Guardian, I set about finding the facts and why the idea of “free cars for the disabled” has taken hold. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
In today’s Guardian, I set about finding the facts and why the idea of “free cars for the disabled” has taken hold. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
“I know a disabled person who takes their Motability car on holiday” is an absolute zinger of a comeback.
Famously, disabled people only go to the supermarket and hospital. I’d personally put a ban on mainland Europe.
Famously, disabled people only go to the supermarket and hospital. I’d personally put a ban on mainland Europe.
December 8, 2025 at 8:08 PM
“I know a disabled person who takes their Motability car on holiday” is an absolute zinger of a comeback.
Famously, disabled people only go to the supermarket and hospital. I’d personally put a ban on mainland Europe.
Famously, disabled people only go to the supermarket and hospital. I’d personally put a ban on mainland Europe.
Welcome to Britain’s new benefits lie: disabled people are driving BMWs and Mercedes on the taxpayer’s dime.
My column on Motability and the truth behind the headlines and social media myths. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My column on Motability and the truth behind the headlines and social media myths. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Disabled people driving luxury cars on your dime? Just the latest rightwing lie peddled by Labour | Frances Ryan
Starmer’s ailing government is happy to pursue ideas like cutting Motability, but all ministers will do is damage lives and themselves, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Welcome to Britain’s new benefits lie: disabled people are driving BMWs and Mercedes on the taxpayer’s dime.
My column on Motability and the truth behind the headlines and social media myths. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My column on Motability and the truth behind the headlines and social media myths. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My unpopular opinion is “previous dance experience” doesn’t matter. 8/10 people in showbiz went to theatre school. Even sports players like Karen have dance history. If you cut out a guy who danced at 11, why not all actors? All musicians? I don’t need justice. I just want to see a lovely dance.
Nope. The British public don't like a ringer. Both A & L are good enough to have won auditions to perform in West End musicals. Their extravagant (utterly fantastic!) routines last night just emphasised that experience.
December 7, 2025 at 8:40 PM
My unpopular opinion is “previous dance experience” doesn’t matter. 8/10 people in showbiz went to theatre school. Even sports players like Karen have dance history. If you cut out a guy who danced at 11, why not all actors? All musicians? I don’t need justice. I just want to see a lovely dance.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Strictly proves that the British public can’t be trusted with democracy.
December 7, 2025 at 8:15 PM
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Strictly proves that the British public can’t be trusted with democracy.
This is really interesting by @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social exploring idea men are more likely to leave if a partner gets sick. I cover this in my book and the wider context that disabled women are treated differently than men full stop, especially in dating. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
The truth about the ‘gender care gap’: are men really more likely to abandon their ill wives?
It’s one thing facing a major diagnosis; it’s quite another dealing with your partner pulling away. But does the stereotype match the reality?
www.theguardian.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:41 PM
This is really interesting by @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social exploring idea men are more likely to leave if a partner gets sick. I cover this in my book and the wider context that disabled women are treated differently than men full stop, especially in dating. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
This is a genuinely welcome policy that could enormously improve people’s lives: families will be offered help to leave temporary accommodation, one of the worst conditions imposed on children by years of Tory housing and benefits policies. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Families to be offered help to leave temporary accommodation under UK child poverty strategy
Government says series of measures, including childcare support, will lift 500,000 out of poverty
www.theguardian.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:05 AM
This is a genuinely welcome policy that could enormously improve people’s lives: families will be offered help to leave temporary accommodation, one of the worst conditions imposed on children by years of Tory housing and benefits policies. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...