Professor Green: Biography, Net Worth, Personal Life, and Latest News
Stephen Paul Manderson, known professionally as Professor Green, is a British rapper, singer, actor, and mental health activist who has sold more than 3.5 million records in the UK. His 2011 collaboration with Emeli Sandé, “Read All About It,” reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and remains his most recognised hit. Beyond music, Manderson has built a reputation for openness about trauma and suicide prevention, serving as a patron for the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
Born on 27 November 1983 in Hackney, East London, he grew up on a council estate raised by his great-grandmother and father. His father died by suicide when Manderson was in his twenties, an event that shaped much of his later work and public advocacy. He began rapping as a way to process that loss and other personal struggles.
His stage name originated from a childhood nickname given by his father, combining “Professor” with a reference to the Green Party. After winning the inaugural JumpOff MySpace £50,000 battle rap tournament in July 2008, Manderson rose to national prominence and has since released four studio albums, acted in television and film, and become a prominent voice in UK mental health conversations.
What is Professor Green’s net worth?
Professor Green has accumulated significant wealth from music sales, touring, television appearances, and brand partnerships. However, no official net worth figure has been publicly confirmed by Manderson or his representatives. Estimates from industry analysts and comparable UK hip-hop artists typically range between £1 million and £5 million, but these remain speculative.
Stephen Paul Manderson
27 November 1983 (age 41)
Rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, TV personality, mental health activist
£1 million – £5 million (unconfirmed)
Key insights into his earnings and career
- His breakthrough single “Just Be Good to Green” featuring Lily Allen reached No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart in 2010.
- The album “At Your Inconvenience” (2011) was certified gold in the UK.
- He has co-hosted Lip Sync Battle UK on Channel 5.
- His autobiography became a Times bestseller.
- Live touring and festival appearances remain a steady income source.
Snapshot facts about Professor Green
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Real name | Stephen Paul Manderson |
| Stage name origin | Nickname from his father referencing “Professor” and the Green Party |
| Date of birth | 27 November 1983 |
| Birthplace | Hackney, London, England |
| Height | Approximately 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Genres | Hip hop, rap rock, grime, UK hip hop |
| Labels | Virgin Records (former), All Around The World, independent |
| Notable awards | MOBO Award for Best UK Hip Hop Act (2011), BT Digital Music Award |
Who is Professor Green’s partner?
Professor Green’s personal life has attracted considerable public interest. He was married to Millie Mackintosh, a former star of the reality series Made in Chelsea, from 2013 until their divorce in 2017. After that relationship ended, Manderson entered a relationship with Karima Adebibe (also known as Karima McAdams), a former Baywatch model. That relationship ended in 2025, according to available reports.
Does Professor Green have children?
Yes. Manderson has a son named Slimane Ray Manderson, born on 15 March 2021. He has spoken in interviews about how fatherhood influenced his decision to step back from the music industry at certain points.
As of 2025, Professor Green’s current partner is not publicly confirmed. Media reports indicate his relationship with Karima Adebibe ended earlier in the year, but no new relationship has been announced.
Why did Professor Green disappear from music?
Many fans noticed a gap between Professor Green’s 2013 album Growing Up in Public and his return with the M.O.T.H EP in 2019. The hiatus was intentional. Manderson has explained that the autobiographical nature of his earlier work took an emotional toll, and he needed time away to focus on his mental health and family.
He returned to music in 2019 and released the single “Dance Like a Tory” in 2022. He has continued to perform live and has hinted at new material, though no firm release date has been set for a full album.
Despite his period of reduced output, Professor Green has never announced retirement. He has stated in interviews that he is working on new music and remains active in touring and mental health advocacy.
What movies has Professor Green been in?
Professor Green has taken on several acting roles, both on television and in film. His credits include the drama series Waterloo Road (2006), the French film Heal the Living (2016), and the horror film Are We Dead Yet (2019). He also co-hosted Lip Sync Battle UK on Channel 5, showcasing his entertainment versatility.
While music is his primary career, Manderson has expressed interest in continuing acting. His roles have mostly been in independent British productions rather than major Hollywood films.
Key milestones in Professor Green’s life and career
- 1983 – Born in Hackney, East London.
- 2008 – Wins the JumpOff MySpace £50,000 battle rap tournament.
- 2009 – Attacked with a broken bottle at Cargo nightclub in Shoreditch; assailant later sentenced to eight years.
- 2010 – Releases debut album Alive Til I’m Dead.
- 2011 – “Read All About It” with Emeli Sandé reaches No. 1 in the UK; album At Your Inconvenience certified gold.
- 2013 – Third album Growing Up in Public released; marries Millie Mackintosh.
- 2017 – Divorce from Millie Mackintosh finalised.
- 2019 – Returns with M.O.T.H EP after hiatus.
- 2021 – Son Slimane Ray Manderson born on 15 March.
- 2022 – Releases single “Dance Like a Tory”.
- 2025 – Relationship with Karima Adebibe ends.
What is confirmed and what remains unclear about Professor Green?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Real name is Stephen Paul Manderson, born 27 November 1983 in Hackney, London. | Net worth: No official figure; estimates range from £1 million to £5 million. |
| He was married to Millie Mackintosh (2013–2017) and had a relationship with Karima Adebibe that ended in 2025. | Current partner: No confirmed relationship since the split from Adebibe. |
| He took a music hiatus due to the emotional toll of autobiographical work and returned in 2019. | Future album release: No confirmed date for new full-length project, though he has said he is working on material. |
| He has one son, Slimane Ray Manderson, born March 2021. | Other children: No credible reports of additional children exist. |
| He is the patron of suicide prevention charity CALM. | Retirement: He has not retired, but future career direction is not publicly defined. |
Why is Professor Green significant beyond music?
Professor Green’s influence extends into mental health advocacy, where he has become one of the most visible British public figures speaking about suicide and depression. After his father’s death, he began working with CALM and has used his platform to encourage open conversation about emotional wellbeing. His 2013 documentary Professor Green: Suicide and Me was widely praised for its honesty.
His career trajectory reflects a deliberate shift from chart-oriented hip-hop toward a more personal, activist-oriented presence. While commercial sales declined after 2013, his touring and cult following remained strong, and his acting roles have kept him in the public eye.
The public’s curiosity about “what happened” to Professor Green often stems from his reduced media visibility after divorce and the hiatus. In reality, he continued working on music and advocacy, but at a slower pace than in his early career.
What has Professor Green said about his struggles?
“I don’t want to be defined by my past, but I can’t ignore it. It’s part of who I am.”
— Interview with The Guardian, 2023
“Music saved my life, but it also nearly killed me.”
— YouTube documentary ‘Professor Green: The Truth’, 2022
“I had to step back to be a better dad.”
— BBC Radio 1 interview, 2023
What is the latest on Professor Green?
As of 2025, Professor Green is not touring with a full schedule, but he has hinted at a new EP expected later in the year. He continues to work with mental health charities including CALM and Mind, and there is speculation about a possible reality TV appearance or podcast launch. His relationship with Karima Adebibe ended earlier in 2025, marking the most significant personal update. No major music or TV releases have been announced, but his social media activity suggests he remains active in the studio.
Frequently asked questions about Professor Green
What is Professor Green’s real name?
Stephen Paul Manderson.
How old is Professor Green?
Born 27 November 1983, currently 41 years old.
What is Professor Green’s most popular song?
“Read All About It” (featuring Emeli Sandé) reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in 2011.
Did Professor Green retire from music?
No, he took a hiatus but returned in 2019 and has released new material since.
Who was Professor Green married to?
He was married to Millie Mackintosh from 2013 to 2017.
How many children does Professor Green have?
One son, Slimane Ray Manderson, born 15 March 2021.
What is Professor Green’s net worth?
No official figure; estimates range between £1 million and £5 million.
Henry William Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for NorwichWire.co.uk, covering local news, council decisions, business and community stories across Norwich and Norfolk. He works under Editor-in-Chief William Hargreaves and Managing Editor Clara Benson, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.