Sorry I’m A Celeb, but we’ve got a new favourite jungle-based reality TV show: Celebrity Bear Hunt. It’s so dramatic, funny and sometimes emotional that we just can’t get enough. And although we love all of the contestants, we obviously have our favourites - including the genetically blessed Kola Bokinni.
A regular feature on our favourite TV shows of the past few years, we’ve had a soft spot for Kola Bokinni for while. But just in case you’ve been living under a rock, here’s everything you need to know about the actor and now reality star.
Who is Kola Bokinni?
Born in Peckham, London, to an Irish mother and Nigerian father on 5 August 1992 – making him 32 years old – Bokinni is an actor. He’s probably best known for his role on the award-winning Ted Lasso.
Speaking about the perseverance that it took to pursue acting as a profession, the Brit School graduate has said, ‘When I started out acting, I was told many many times to get a proper job, and then I did and I was miserable.
‘If I can be an example to any kids growing up in areas like I did, and to be a poster boy to following your dreams then all be it. If it makes people be creative and think bigger, great. I will take that.’
What TV shows has Kola Bokinni been in?
Black Mirror (2016)
Bokinni made his acting debut with the small role of Lennard in the episode Men Against Fire – the fifth and penultimate episode of the third series of Black Mirror.
The episode followed Stripe (Malachi Kirby), a soldier who hunts humanoid mutants known as roaches.
Top Boy (2019)
Following Morris ‘Modie’ Gregory’s (Santan Dave) imprisonment at the end of season two of Top Boy, Leyton aka Kola Bokinni became the de facto leader of the London Fields gang. After conspiring to have Gerard ‘Sully’ Sullivan (Kane Robinson) killed as well as fellow gang member Jamie Tovell (Michael Ward).
Leyton passed away when he was shot behind the knee by Farah (Seraphina Beh). The attack was meant to be a warning, but Farah accidentally nicked an artery and Leyton ultimately died of blood loss.
Ted Lasso (2020-2023)
The 6ft actor put his footballing love – he’s a big fan of Arsenal - to good use playing Isaac McAdoo, the big hearted but burly Richmond FC player, alongside Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent, and Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton.
For his role as Issac Bokinni was awarded a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series in 2022.
Celebrity Race Across The World (2024)
Last year Bokinni turned his hand to reality TV with the second series of Celebrity Race Across the World.
Bokinni and his cousin Mary Ellen Moriarty eventually came in second place behind radio presenter Scott Mills and his events producer husband Sam Vaughan.
Celebrity Bear Hunt (2025)
Bokinni is currently appearing in our new favourite reality TV show Celebrity Bear Hunt alongside Una Healy, Mel B and Boris Becker.
The show sees the celebrity contestants take part in a series of challenges before the losers are forced to evade capture at the hands of Bear Grylls.
Is Kola Bokinni related to Yinka Bokinni?
Bokinni may have competed in Celebrity Race Across The World with his cousin Mary Ellen, but the actor is actually related to a celebrity – his older sister, radio and TV presenter, Yinka Bokinni.
The pair were originally meant to star of the show together but Bokinni was forced to pull out after learning that she was expecting a baby.
Bokinni has also been open about losing his dad in 2023, following his deterioration due to dementia.
Does Kola Bokinni have Instagram?
He sure does, you can follow him @kolabokinni
Daisy Hall is a News and Entertainment writer on Grazia, specialising in TV and film meaning that you can count on Daisy for the latest (and best) recommendations