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The BBC has launched its New Comedy Award for 2012.

Patrick Kielty, who will host the final, put out an appeal for entries on Steve Wright’s Radio 2 show this afternoon.

The BBC New Comedy Award initially ran from 1995 to 2005. with previous finalists including Alan Carr, Sarah Millican and Marcus Brigstocke. It was relaunched last year as a Radio 2 initiative and won by Angela Barnes.

She said: ‘It is no way an exaggeration to say that winning the BBC New Comedy Award has changed my life. A year ago, stand-up comedy was my hobby. Now it's my job!.

‘In the year since I've won I have written on my favourite radio show, played Latitude Festival and Laughs in The Park, and I've met Terry Wogan AND Gary Barlow! If you had told me a year ago any of those things would have happened, I would have laughed in your face.’

And she told would-be comedians: ‘If you're umming and aahing about entering, just do it. There is really nothing to lose and everything to gain.'

The winner will receive £1,000 and the chance for a commission from BBC Radio Comedy, as well as receiving development advice and guidance from the BBC comedy department.

The competition will comprise eight regional heats judged by BBC executive producer Steve Canny and Chortle editor Steve Bennett, with guest judges. At the end of the heats there will also be a chance for members of the public to vote online for their two favourites from eight runners up chosen by the judges.

The semi-finals will then take place in Newcastle and London on October 23 and 30, with the final at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool on November 8. There the Radio 2 audience will pick the winner by voting online and via text message.

To apply, visit the Radio 2 website and upload or email an mp3 of your work.

Published: 25 May 2012