Paul Whitehouse’s wife is Dr Mine Conkbayir, an award-winning early years specialist, author and lecturer. The couple have been partners for over two decades and share a daughter named Delilah . While they are described as married in most reports, they famously maintain separate homes in North London.
Who Is Dr Mine Conkbayir?
Dr Mine Conkbayir is a distinguished academic and advocate in early childhood education and neuroscience. She has worked in the field for over 17 years and holds a PhD focused on early childhood education and neuroscience .
In January 2025, she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to Early Years . She has authored several books, including Early Childhood and Neuroscience: Theory, Research and Implications for Practice .
A Unique Partnership and Living Arrangement
Paul Whitehouse and Dr Conkbayir have been together for over 20 years and married for five, but they do not share a single residence . They live in separate houses in North London, a decision rooted in her sensory needs related to ADHD .
Dr Conkbayir has explained that her sensory requirements differ significantly from those of Paul and their daughter. She has stated, “There’s no blueprint” when it comes to marriage, emphasizing that couples must find what works for them .
The “I’m ADHD! No You’re Not” Podcast
The couple co-host the podcast “I’m ADHD! No You’re Not,” which launched in September 2024 . The podcast aims to demystify neurodiversity and challenge common myths about ADHD, featuring celebrity guests like Shaun Ryder, Johnny Vegas and Nadia Sawalha .
Paul takes on the role of a supportive sceptic, while Dr Conkbayir provides research and lived experience . She was diagnosed with ADHD at age 43, and Paul’s initial scepticism inspired the podcast’s provocative title .Quick Bio: Dr Mine Conkbayir
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr Mine Conkbayir |
| Age | 45 (as of October 2025) |
| Nationality | Turkish Cypriot / British |
| Profession | Early years specialist, lecturer, author, researcher, consultant |
| Education | PhD in Early Childhood Education and Neuroscience |
| Years Active | Over 20 years in early childhood education and care |
| Notable Works | Early Childhood and Neuroscience: Theory, Research and Implications for Practice (2017, 2nd ed. 2021); Early Childhood Theories and Contemporary Issues (2014); Maya’s ACE Adventures! (2023) |
| Awards | MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2025 New Year Honours for services to Early Years; Nursery World Awards 2017 High Commendation; NMT Top 5 Most Inspirational People in Childcare Award |
| Spouse/Partner | Paul Whitehouse (partner of over 20 years; described as husband/wife in reports) |
| Children | Daughter Delilah (with Paul Whitehouse) |
| Podcast | Co-host of I’m ADHD! No You’re Not with Paul Whitehouse |
| Social Media | Instagram: @drmineconkbayir; LinkedIn: Dr Mine Conkbayir |
| Website | mineconkbayir.co.uk |
Note: Some fields (height, net worth) are not publicly available in authoritative sources and have been omitted rather than estimated. The title “Dr” reflects her PhD in Early Childhood Education and Neuroscience.
A Notable BBC Breakfast Moment
During an appearance on BBC Breakfast in October 2025, the couple had a memorable on-air exchange. As Dr Conkbayir discussed the podcast, Paul interjected to clarify that he “wasn’t that dismissive” about her diagnosis .
She replied, “It’s not about you, though,” to which Paul responded, “Well, it’s my turn to speak. If I can just get a word in!” . The moment was widely reported, though it appeared to be a light-hearted, familiar dynamic between the long-term partners.
Paul Whitehouse’s Previous Marriage
Before his relationship with Dr Conkbayir, Paul Whitehouse was married to Fiona Wightman from 1992 to 2003 . They have two daughters together, Molly and Sophie . Paul also has a daughter from a subsequent relationship with costume designer Natalie Rogers .
A Shared Commitment
Despite their unconventional living arrangement, the couple’s partnership is clearly strong. Dr Conkbayir has described Paul as a “saint” regarding his support, while he has said he is “conscious” of the challenges she has faced . Their collaboration on the podcast represents a shared mission to advance understanding of neurodiversity.
Q: Who is Paul Whitehouse’s wife?
A: Paul Whitehouse’s wife is Dr Mine Conkbayir, an award-winning author, lecturer, and early childhood education specialist. The couple have been partners for over 20 years and married for five .
Q: Why do Paul Whitehouse and his wife live in separate houses?
A: They live apart due to Dr Conkbayir’s sensory needs related to ADHD. She requires constant lights and noise, which differs from Paul and their daughter’s preferences. As she explains, “There’s no blueprint” for marriage .
Q: What is the podcast ‘I’m ADHD! No You’re Not’ about?
A: The couple co-host this podcast exploring neurodiversity. Dr Conkbayir provides research and lived experience, while Paul takes the role of a supportive sceptic. Guests have included Sir Stephen Fry, Robbie Williams, and Johnny Vegas .
Q: What was the awkward BBC Breakfast moment with Paul Whitehouse and his wife?
A: During an October 2025 interview, Paul interrupted Dr Conkbayir with “It’s my turn to speak.” She replied, “It’s not about you, though.” The exchange was widely reported as a light-hearted dynamic between the long-term partners .
