BBC New Comedy Awards 2025 open for entries
- The BBC New Comedy Awards 2025 are open for entries. Submit a video by Sunday 25th May via bbc.co.uk/newcomedyawards
- The winner will receive a paid commission to write and perform their own 30-minute audio pilot under the mentorship of a BBC Comedy Commissioner, plus £1,000 cash
- Head judge Fatiha El-Ghorri says: "I love seeing new talent and watching them grow and progress on the comedy circuit"
The BBC New Comedy Awards is celebrating its 30th year "hunting for the most hilarious comedy acts across the UK".
The search to find 2025's winner has now begun, with the entry form now available via bbc.co.uk/newcomedyawards
Comedians wishing to take part should submit a video via the website before the end of Sunday 25th May.
Since launching in 1995, the BBC New Comedy Awards has helped kick-start the careers of many of the UK's best-known comedians. Previous winners include Alan Carr, Tom Allen, Lucy Beaumont, Josie Long, Nina Conti, Rhod Gilbert and The Mighty Boosh's Julian Barratt, while past runners-up Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Russell Howard, Sarah Millican and Joe Lycett have also all achieved great success.
Last year's winner, Paul Hilleard, performed on Comic Relief on BBC One on Friday.
Taking on the role of Head Judge for the 30th anniversary year is award-winning comedian, actor, podcaster and writer, Fatiha El-Ghorri. She has appeared on Live At The Apollo and will be on the next series of Taskmaster. The comic was previously one of the judges on the Bethnal Green heat of the competition in 2023.
The BBC explains: "The nationwide talent competition encourages comic performers of any genre (stand-up, character, sketch and musical) to enter. Everyone who applies has the chance to follow in the footsteps of recent winners Joe Kent-Walters, Dan Tiernan and Anna Thomas - all of whom, since winning, have been signed by high profile agents, have pilots in development or production, have toured venues across the UK and taken shows to Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
"In 2024, over a thousand people applied for the competition. Budding comedy superstars selected from the entry process will face the regional heats. Then, each of the six regional finals will take place in September and be televised weekly on BBC Three. The Grand Final will air on BBC One in October, filmed in 2025's City of Culture, Bradford."
The 2025 winner will receive a paid commission to write and perform their own 30-minute audio pilot under the mentorship of a BBC Comedy Commissioner, plus a trophy and £1,000 cash.
Fatiha El-Ghorri says: "I'm honoured and super happy to be asked by the BBC to be their Head Judge for the New Comedy Awards! I love seeing new talent and watching them grow and progress on the comedy circuit so I can't wait to be involved on the telly."
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, said: "For 30 years, the BBC New Comedy Awards have been a launchpad for some of the biggest names in British comedy, and they remain a vital showcase for the stand-up stars of tomorrow. As we celebrate this milestone year, we can't wait to discover the next wave of brilliant new talent. If you've ever thought about stepping up to the mic - this is your moment!"
Paul Hilleard notes: "I never thought I'd win. I just entered for a laugh. And now I've been on the telly. Pretty mad. It's worth doing if you fancy it. It's helped open a few doors. What have you got to lose. It's not scary. You get looked after at every stage. And if it doesn't work this year, try again next year. It took me three years before I made it through the first stage."
To enter visit bbc.co.uk/newcomedyawards where terms and privacy notices can be found. The closing date for entries is 25th May.
This article is provided for free as part of BCG Pro.
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