Comic crowned 2016 Naty winner

Bilal Zafar has won this year's Naty New Act Of The Year competition.

The comic impressed judges with his story of taking on the bigots online, by pretending to run Britain's first Muslim-only cake shop

The 24-year-old from Wanstead, East London, is technically called 'top of the bill' with the contest's more egalitarian ethos. He previously came runner-up ay the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian competition in November, in the same venue as this afternoon's final.

Second came Jimmy Bird, who has been a stand-up for more than five years.

Third place was shared by former Cambridge Footlighter Emma Sidi, who performed her set as if a lecture about feminism in Spanish, and quirky stand-up Josh Pugh. Female double act Revan & Fennell were placed fifth.

The other finalists were Dave Green, Luca Cupani, Svetlana The Oligarch's Wife, Thomas Rackham, President Obonjo, Joseph Murphy as Mr Spooky, Patrick Brusnahan and Bucket. More than 150 comedians entered the contest.

The competition began as the Hackney Empire New Act Of The Year in 1987, when it was won by Linda Smith. Other previous winners include Stewart Lee, Ardal O'Hanlon, Paul Sinha and Ronni Ancona. Eddie Izzard only came third and Harry Hill was a previous finalist.

Published: 31 Jan 2016