Old-fashioned comic wins ITV crown

A Northern comic telling gags about how fat his wife is has won ITV1's search for new comedy talent.

Lea Roberts triumphed over the observational and character comedy of fellow finalists on Stand-up Britain.

The former Halifax rugby union player scooped almost 90 per cent of viewers' votes in his home region of Yorkshire.

He said: "I'm in shock I never thought people would be voting for me. I don't know if I'll be giving up the day job. I've only got three minutes' worth of material. I've done a bit of after dinner speaking but that'sall."

The 36-year-old welder wins £7,000 - which he says he'll spend on a second wedding to wife Sally, 34.

Producer Sean Miller said: "Lea did really well and thoroughly deserved the £7,000."

But Ed Byrne, who hosted the final, said: "Tonight we've seen the return of the Northern joke-telling comedian... and the death of observational comedy."

As well as quips about his wife's size, Roberts also included a couple of 'pub gags' in his routine.

Second place was shared by Londoner Karen Cockfield and glittery entertainer character Pete Pitzburg.

The other finalists were Bobby Dresser, Eric Page, Jaik Campbell and David Bloom.

ITV1 also screened the final of Take The Mike last night, which was won by Paul Kerensa with Vicky Frango runner-up, as we reported in April.

Published: 19 Oct 2002