Fatiha El-Ghorri announced as head judge

The BBC New Comedy Awards has opened for entries – as it celebrates its 30th year seeking the best comedians across the UK. 

Head judge for this year will be stand-up Fatiha El-Ghorri, who previously appeared in Dave’s Outsiders, competed in BBC One’s Sewing Bee Christmas Special 2024, performed on Live At The Apollo and is also set to appear in the upcoming 19th series of Channel 4’s Taskmaster.

She said: ‘I’m honoured and super happy to be asked by the BBC to be their head judge. I love seeing new talent and watching them grow and progress on the comedy circuit so I can't wait to be involved on the telly.’

Previous winners  of the BBC New Comedy Award have included Alan Carr, Tom Allen, Lucy Beaumont, Josie Long, Nina Conti, Rhod Gilbert and The Mighty Boosh’s Julian Barratt, with Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Russell Howard, Sarah Millican and Joe Lycett all being runners-up.

This year’s winner will receive a paid commission to write and perform their own 30-minute audio pilot under the mentorship of a BBC comedy commissioner, plus a trophy and £1,000 cash.  

Of the entrants – who numbered more than 1,000 last year – a number will be asked to attend showcases with the best then taking part in six regional finals will take place in September and televised weekly on BBC Three, produced by Phil McIntyre Television. The final will be filmed in 2025’s City of Culture, Bradford, and air on BBC One in October. 

Entries are now open until midnight on Sunday May 25. To enter visit www.bbc.co.uk/newcomedyawards where terms and privacy notices can be found.

Jon Petrie, the BBC’s director of comedy, said: ‘For 30 years, the BBC New Comedy Awards have been a launchpad for some of the biggest names in British comedy, and they remain a vital showcase for the stand-up stars of tomorrow. 

‘As we celebrate this milestone year, we can’t wait to discover the next wave of brilliant new talent. If you've ever thought about stepping up to the mic – this is your moment!"

Last year’s winner, Paul Hilleard, added: ‘I never thought I’d win. I just entered for a laugh. And now I’ve been on the telly. Pretty mad. It’s worth doing if you fancy it. It’s helped open a few doors. What have you got to lose. It’s not scary. You get looked after at every stage. And if it doesn’t work this year, try again next year. It took me three years before I made it through the first stage.’

Published: 24 Mar 2025