Bill to host new act final

Bill Bailey is to host the final of this year's So You Think You're Funny? talent competition, it has been announced.

The Never Mind The Buzzcocks captain compered the show last year, and will return to Edinburgh's Gilded Balloon on August 21.

More than 320 acts entered the Channel-4 backed competition,with 58 semi-finalists selected to compete in heats during the Edinburgh Fringe.

Previous winners have included Peter Kay, Rhona Cameron and Dylan Moran.

Karen Koren, artistic director of the Gilded Balloon, said: "The competition has been going for 16 years and has found some of the UK's brightest comics - this year will be no exception."

And Channel 4's commissioning editor for comedy, Robert Popper, added: "So You Think You're Funny? offers budding comics a fantastic opportunity to gain confidence in their stand-up while getting valuable exposure.

"For us at Channel 4, it's a wonderful chance to spot and nurture fresh talent."

Published: 23 Jul 2003