Louise Atkinson wins Leicester Comedian Of The Year 2025
- 1st: Louise Atkinson
- 2nd: Andy Fox
- Thanyia Moore hosted the final
Louise Atkinson has won the Leicester Comedian Of The Year 2025 competition.
Andy Fox was named the runner-up. No third place was announced this year.
The final, hosted by Thanyia Moore, took place earlier tonight (22nd February) at The Y Theatre as part of the closing weekend of the city's annual comedy festival and featured a set from last year's winner, Eva Bindeman.
Unlike other new act competitions, acts must be nominated by promoters to take part in the final. The other comics performing this year were: Ant Dewson, Archit Goenka, Hannah Lawrence, June Tuesday and Lucas Jefcoate.
Originally from Hull, London-based Atkinson is a stand-up with a "unique perspective". She performs regularly at the UK's top comedy clubs and has supported acts such as Sarah Keyworth and Esther Manito on tour. Louise's debut show, Mates, was an award-winning success.
On winning, Louise said tonight: "Leicester means a lot to me, as I went to university here it's a nice full-circle moment. What they have done with the festival over the years is amazing. I'm still processing the win, and a plaque sounds very formal, so maybe they should just write my name in pencil so they can rub it out at some point! I'm going to process my win in a bit, after a muffin. What's next for me is a roast dinner tomorrow and the rugby. Comedy-wise - who knows!".
The long-running contest - which was previously known as Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year - has a track record of picking out future stars, with Romesh Ranganathan, Josh Widdicombe, Rhod Gilbert, Jason Manford and Johnny Vegas amongst the previous winners.
Charlotte Laidet, festivals and programme director at Big Difference, said, "After more than 30 years, the Leicester Comedian of the Year competition once again showcased an incredible wave of new comedic talent. Supporting emerging performers is a key priority for our festival, and we take great pride in this initiative. A huge congratulations to Louise Atkinson for winning this year's title, and well done to everyone who participated--I have no doubt we'll be seeing much more of them on the circuit for years to come."