Canuk comic takes Hackney crown

Canadian actor Peter Aterman has won this year's Hackney Empire new act final.

The improv performer has performed a one-man show, Slaves of Starbucks, at the last two Edinburgh festivals.

For tonight's final, hosted by Arthur Smith, he performed as a Vatican tour guide.

Runner-up was another actor, Kerry Godliman, who has appeared in Holby City. Her material revolves around wordplay and imaginative observations.

Third-place honours were shared between former prison officer Ava Vidal and Drew Cameron, a Michael Caine impersonator also moving into stand-up.

The best acts of the night win the chance to perform at this year's Edinburgh festival.

The other finalists were comedy juggler Pablo, Nelson David, Jaik Campbell, James Goldsbury, Roisin Conaty and Del Strain. plus a tribute to the music-hall sand dance act Wilson, Betty and Keppel called Vinell, Camel, Kiernan.

Previous winners of the annual contest have included Harry Hill, Ronnie Ancona and Ardal O'Hanlon.

Published: 28 Feb 2004