Mathew crowned Channel 4 winner

Mathew Osbourn has won this year's So You Think You're Funny new act competition at the Edinburgh Fringe.

The London comic, who performs an erudite middle-class act, follows in the footsteps of Peter Kay, Dylan Moran and Rhona Cameron in scooping the Channel 4-backed title, worth £2,000.

He said: "You've been very kind. On a night like this, what's important is the cash - and I appreciate that. Without this, I'd be moving into a much smaller flat."

Bristol-based Mark Watson, who won the Daily Telegraph Open Mic award on Tuesday, was runner-up, taking home £1,000.

He said: "I genuinely didn't think it went very well tonight. Next time I'll try to be really rubbish and win."

And ventriloquist Nina Conti took the third prize of £750. She won the BBC New Comedy Award earlier in the Fringe.

Judges at the final, hosted by Bill Bailey, included Spaced star Simon Pegg, as well as a number of Channel 4 executives.

Bailey said: "I think this was one of the best new acts bills I have ever seen. Considering no one has been gigging for more than a year, it's amazing"

And Channel 4 commissioning editor Robert Popper said; "We've seen some fantastic new talent here tonight.'

Other finalists were Michael Anderson, Andy Bone, Greg Davies, Rhod Gilbert, Rufus Hound, and Greg McHugh.

More than 360 hopefuls entered the competition, 60 of them taking part in semi-finals in Edinburgh.

Published: 22 Aug 2002