Rose Matafeo has become a familiar name in British comedy, transitioning from New Zealand’s stand-up scene to creating and starring in her own BBC series. Public curiosity about her career, personal life, and even her height continues to drive search interest. This profile compiles the verified facts and addresses the most common questions.
Born in Auckland, Matafeo began performing stand-up comedy as a teenager. She won New Zealand’s prestigious Billy T Award in 2013 and later moved to the UK, where she gained wider recognition with her show Horndog and her BBC sitcom Starstruck.
As of 2025, her career is on an upward trajectory, with a voice role in Disney’s Moana 2 completed and speculation about future stand-up tours. This article covers everything from her relationship status to her most notable on-screen moments.
Who Is Rose Matafeo? Biography Overview
Rose Matafeo
25 February 1992
New Zealander
Comedian, Actress, Writer
Key Insights
- Rose Matafeo is a BAFTA-nominated comedian best known for creating and starring in the BBC/HBO series Starstruck.
- She is a former winner of the Billy T Award, New Zealand comedy’s highest honor for emerging talent.
- Her stand-up show Horndog (2018) was critically acclaimed and filmed for a special.
- Public interest in her personal life, especially her relationship with James Acaster, remains a top search driver.
- She appeared on Taskmaster in Series 14, finishing in third place.
- She has been cast in the upcoming Disney sequel Moana 2 in a voice role.
Rose Matafeo Age and Birthplace
Rose Matafeo was born on 25 February 1992 in Auckland, New Zealand. As of 2025, she is 33 years old. She has Samoan and Scottish heritage, a background she occasionally references in her work. She attended Auckland’s Mount Roskill Grammar School before pursuing comedy full-time.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Approx. 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Known For | Starstruck, Taskmaster, Horndog |
| Partner | Not publicly confirmed (rumored: James Acaster) |
| Children | None (as of 2025) |
| Upcoming Project | Moana 2 (voice role) |
| Notable Award | Billy T Award (2013) |
| Agency | Avalon UK |
| Social Media | Active on Instagram and Twitter/X |
| Net Worth Estimate | Not publicly disclosed; estimated $1–3 million |
Who Is Rose Matafeo’s Partner? Relationship Status 2025
This is the area of greatest public curiosity and the least public confirmation. Rose Matafeo keeps her personal life private, and no official statement exists regarding a current partner.
Rose Matafeo and James Acaster: Relationship History
The strongest rumor links her to the English comedian James Acaster. The two were reported to be dating around 2020, and they have been photographed together at events. Neither has made a formal public statement confirming or denying the relationship. As of early 2025, their status remains unconfirmed by either party or their representatives. For her part, Matafeo has not listed a partner on any public profile.
The Matafeo-Acaster connection is widely reported in entertainment media but is based on circumstantial evidence and unconfirmed by the individuals involved. No joint statements or official public appearances have been made.
Does Rose Matafeo Have Children?
No. Rose Matafeo does not have any children. There are no public records, interviews, or posts indicating she has children. This remains consistent across all verified sources as of 2025.
Rose Matafeo’s Career: From Taskmaster to Starstruck
Her career trajectory is clearly documented, with distinct milestones that propelled her from New Zealand’s comedy circuit to international streaming audiences.
Rose Matafeo Taskmaster Performance
Matafeo appeared on Taskmaster in Series 14, which aired in 2022. She performed a memorable rap about a pineapple at her audition, which was aired on the show. She finished in third place overall. Her appearance was widely praised and is credited with significantly boosting her UK profile and search visibility.
Rose Matafeo Tour 2025 Dates and Tickets
As of early 2025, no official tour dates have been confirmed by Rose Matafeo or her agency, Avalon UK. There is speculation about a potential UK and international tour, but no tickets are on sale. Fans are advised to follow her official social media or her agency profile for verified announcements.
Only dates listed on Avalon UK’s official client page or posted directly on Rose Matafeo’s verified Instagram account should be considered confirmed. Third-party ticketing sites may list speculative or placeholder dates.
Rose Matafeo Movies and TV Shows (Moana 2, Starstruck)
Matafeo created, wrote, and starred in the BBC/HBO series Starstruck, which premiered in 2021. The show has run for three seasons and follows a millennial woman navigating a romantic entanglement with a famous film star. A fourth season has not been officially confirmed.
In 2024, she was cast in a voice role for Disney’s Moana 2, scheduled for release in 2024/2025. She also appeared in the New Zealand film Golden Boy and has a role in the comedy series Erotic Stories for SBS.
Rose Matafeo Height: How Tall Is She?
There is no official listing of Rose Matafeo’s height from her agency or in any primary biographical record. However, based on consistent estimates and visual comparisons from her television appearances, she is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 cm).
Comparisons with James Acaster, who is 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), suggest a height difference consistent with the 5’5″ estimate. This figure is widely repeated across entertainment databases but remains an approximation.
Rose Matafeo and Rowan Atkinson: Is There a Connection?
Debunking the Rowan Atkinson Family Rumor
No. There is no family or professional connection between Rose Matafeo and Rowan Atkinson (“Mr. Bean”). This rumor appears to stem from confusion over the common surname “Atkinson” in comedy circles. Rose Matafeo’s father is of Samoan descent, and her mother is of Scottish ancestry. The name “Atkinson” does not appear in any verified biographical records related to her family.
The claim that Rose Matafeo is related to Rowan Atkinson, either by blood or marriage, has no basis in any official biography, interview, or public record. It is likely a case of mistaken identity or surname confusion.
What Does ‘Loto’ Mean? Rose Matafeo’s New Zealand Roots
The word “Loto” is a Samoan term meaning “heart” or “center of emotions.” Rose Matafeo has used the term in relation to her heritage. Her father is of Samoan descent, and she has spoken in interviews about connecting with her Pacific Islander roots as she has grown older.
She has mentioned that she is learning the Samoan language and culture, and “Loto” has appeared in personal posts and interviews as a nod to that journey. It is not a professional alias or project title but rather a cultural touchstone.
Career Timeline: Rose Matafeo’s Key Milestones
- 1992: Born in Auckland, New Zealand.
- 2013: Won the Billy T Award, New Zealand’s top comedy honor for emerging artists.
- 2018: Performed Horndog at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival; it became a critical breakthrough and was later filmed as a special.
- 2021: Starstruck premiered on BBC Three and HBO Max.
- 2022: Appeared on Taskmaster (Series 14), finishing in third place.
- 2024: Cast in Moana 2 in a voice role.
- 2025: Awaiting official announcements on Starstruck Season 4 and potential stand-up tour dates.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born 25 February 1992 in Auckland, New Zealand. | Current relationship status and partner are unconfirmed. |
| She is a comedian, actress, and writer. | Exact height is not officially listed; sources estimate 5’5″. |
| Appeared on Taskmaster Series 14. | No confirmed 2025 tour schedule on official channels. |
| Has no publicly listed children. | The Rowan Atkinson connection is unsubstantiated. |
The Broader Context of Her Rise
Rose Matafeo represents a rising wave of Antipodean comedic talent finding success in the UK market. Her writing style blends millennial romantic comedy tropes with sharp observational humor, which has resonated strongly with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
The intense public search for partner details reflects a broader parasocial trend, where audience curiosity about the private lives of public figures often exceeds the information they choose to share. Matafeo’s decision to keep her personal life private contrasts with her openness on stage, but aligns with many comedians who use their work as the primary public narrative.
Her Taskmaster appearance is frequently cited by entertainment analysts as a career inflection point, significantly boosting her UK profile and search visibility beyond what previous stand-up specials had achieved.
Sources and Key Statements About Rose Matafeo
The following are direct quotations from authoritative sources regarding Rose Matafeo’s profile:
“Rose Matafeo (born 25 February 1992) is a New Zealand comedian, actress and TV presenter.”
— Wikipedia
“BAFTA nominated comedian, writer and actor from New Zealand.”
— Avalon UK (Agency Profile)
Her IMDb profile lists her as known for Starstruck, Moana 2, and Golden Boy. Her Instagram biography reads: “I own two label makers.”
What’s Next for Rose Matafeo?
The near future for Matafeo includes the release of Moana 2 in late 2024 or 2025, a potential Starstruck Season 4 renewal announcement, and the possibility of UK and international stand-up tour dates, which remain unconfirmed. Fans seeking the most reliable updates should follow her verified social media accounts and check her Avalon UK agency profile for official news.
For those interested in similar comedic talent, our list of Best New Zealand Comedians includes many of her peers. You can also read about other notable Taskmaster Series Winners who have seen career boosts from their appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Matafeo
What is Rose Matafeo’s net worth?
Not publicly disclosed, but estimated between $1-3 million based on TV and stand-up success.
Did Rose Matafeo win Taskmaster?
No, she did not win. She finished in 3rd place in Series 14.
Is Rose Matafeo on social media?
Yes, she is active on Instagram @rosematafeo and on Twitter/X.
Is Rose Matafeo single?
Her relationship status is private. She was previously linked to James Acaster, but neither has confirmed a current relationship.
What does ‘Horndog’ mean?
It is the title of her award-winning 2018 stand-up show about sex, relationships, and growing up.
Does Rose Matafeo have a Wikipedia page?
Yes. A detailed biography is available on her Wikipedia page.
What is Rose Matafeo’s role in Moana 2?
She has a voice role in the sequel. The specific character and dialogue details have not been fully disclosed.
How did Rose Matafeo start her career?
She began performing stand-up comedy in high school in Auckland and won the Billy T Award in 2013, which launched her professional career.
Where can I watch Starstruck?
Starstruck is available on BBC Three in the UK and on HBO Max (now rebranded) in the United States.
Is Rose Matafeo BAFTA-nominated?
Yes. Her work on Starstruck earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Female Performance in a Comedy Programme.
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Oscar Friel covers culture, lifestyle, society and long-form features across the UK.