Comedian Couple Shaparak Khorsandi and Mark Steel Announce Split

British comedians Shaparak Khorsandi and Mark Steel have announced their separation, marking an end to their on-again, off-again relationship. The couple had previously declared they were back together and intended to stay that way.

Khorsandi, 53, revealed in an update that she had recently tried using dating apps but has since given them up, stating she did not like the person she became on them. She shared her experiences using hashtags such as #midlifedating, #onlinedatingfail, and #datingapps.

Fans had expressed confusion about Khorsandi's relationship status, with some questioning if she was still with Steel. The couple's split may come as a surprise given Steel's comments in early 2025 to The Guardian. At the time, he stated they had "cracked the secret to staying together" and that things were going "great." He added, "We were no good not being together," and expressed optimism that their reunion was permanent.

Steel, 63, who battled throat cancer in 2023 and was declared cancer-free in May, had reunited with Khorsandi in 2024. This reunion followed a period where he briefly dated comedian Caroline "Cally" Beaton. During his illness, Steel referred to Beaton as his "partner" and praised her care, calling her "extraordinary."

Reports emerged in 2024 that Steel had "blissfully" reunited with Khorsandi. At the time of their reunion, Khorsandi stated, "I love Mark with all my heart, and we are very much together." She further explained, "Mark and I are blissed-out and rebuilding. It's so important to both of us to be in the moment. I adore him. He was my loved one on and off for many years, but now we're fixing it."

It was understood that the couple had reunited over the summer. Beaton, who has two children, is also a comedian and motivational speaker who has appeared on television shows and hosts a podcast. Steel, adopted in his youth, later discovered his biological father was Wall Street trader Joe Dwek.