Ranganathan wins new act crown

Romesh Ranganathan  has won this year’s Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Award, following in the footsteps of Rhod Gilbert, Jason Manford and Johnny Vegas.

A 34-year-old former maths teacher from Crawley, West Sussex, Ranganathan has been performing stand-up for three years, and has previously been named Latitude New Act of The Year.

He said of scooping the title: ‘Tonight’s line-up was so strong I never thought I stood a chance of winning.  Everyone on stage tonight will go on to become brilliant comedians.’

Joint runners-up last night were Mark Simmons and Lucy Beaumont, who has already scooped the BBC new act title.

Geoff Rowe, director of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival, said: ‘The judges all felt the standard was extremely high. The variety and diversity of comedic talent on display tonight proves that British comedy is in rude health.’

Published: 24 Feb 2013