Star won the first ever accolade in 1981

Stephen Fry is to present Dave’s Edinburgh Comedy Award to the best show on the Fringe.

The former QI host, who won the first ever award in 1981  as part of Cambridge Footlights, will be joined by last year’s winner, Rose Matafeo.

Matafeo has just completed her first starring role in a film, Baby Done, has also starred in Australian TV series, Squinters alongside Tim Minchin, and her new BBC Three and HBO sitcom Starstruck has just been announced.

Awards producer Nica Burns said: ‘Rose is well on her way to international stardom. Stephen Fry is an international star - actor, author, wit – across all the media: stage, radio, television and film. We're delighted to welcome them back to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the launchpad for both their careers.’

The nominations for this year’s Dave’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards will be announced on Wednesday August, and the winners revealed on Saturday  August 24.

As well as the best comedy show, which comes with a cash prize of £10,000, there are £5,000 prizes for best newcomer and for the winner of the Panel Prize.

Stephen Fry is performing Mythos at the Festival Theatre from August 20 to 25 as part of the Edinburgh International Festival, while Matafeo is reprising her award-winning Horndog  at Pleasance Courtyard from August 20 to 24.

Published: 16 Aug 2019