Sallyann Fellowes wins Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian 2023
- 1st: Sallyann Fellowes
- 2nd: Christian Jegard
- 3rd: Hugh Peacocke
Sallyann Fellowes has been crowned the winner of the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian Of The Year 2023 competition.
The Cornish comic was picked in first place by the judges from the 14 acts appearing at the live final. Her set involved jokes about her ADHD diagnosis and bisexuality. She has previously been a runner-up in competitions including Southport New Comedian of the Year 2023, and won the New Forest New Comedian of the Year 2023 contest.
On being announced the winner by organiser David Hardcastle, Fellowes was visibly shocked, saying "I can't believe it! Thank you".
Now in its fourteenth year, the London venue's competition involves almost forty heats to determine which comedians appear at the grand final to take the coveted title of 'New Comedian of the Year' and the £1000 cash prize.
The judges picked Christian Jegard, who sung a song about a bedsit party, as the runner-up.
Meanwhile Hugh Peacocke, who joked about his size, took third place.
The other acts were JR (Jonathan Rippon), Kathleen Hughes, Lauren Carroll, Leah Davis, Maple Zuo, Maria Fedulova, Marty Gleeson, Riggs, Sam Roulston, Samira Banks and Stephen Catling.
The live final was hosted by Mick Ferry and featured a headline set from last year's winner, Will Owen. The judging panel comprised of Steve Bennett (Chortle), Ray Böhm (UTC Artist Management), Tamara Cowan (Ebdon Management), Bruce Dessau (Beyond The Joke) and Hollie Ebdon (Ebdon Management). Aside from the £1000 winning cash prize, there was also £500 for second place, and £250 for third place.