... but radio comes to the rescue

The BBC hunt for new stand-up talent IS to go ahead this year ­ but it's been dumped by TV.

Rumours that the competition was to be axed after eight years were fuelled when it wasn't announced as part of the 2004 round of BBC Talent schemes last week.

But Chortle has learned that the event is all set to go ahead but for radio only.

Previously, the final has been held at the Edinburgh Festival broadcast on BBC1, but last year it went out on BBC3 as did the semi-finals.

However, heats for the 2004 contest are rumoured to be going out on the digital radio station BBC7, which has just started commissioning original comedy with its Spanking New series.

And the final is expected to go out on Radio 4, probably over Christmas, even though details have yet to officially announced.

Last year's event was won by Rhod Gilbert, pictured.

Published: 13 Mar 2004