BBC Champions British Comedy with 10 New Shows and 30th Anniversary of New Comedy Awards

The BBC is bolstering its commitment to homegrown humour with the announcement of ten new and returning comedy series, alongside the celebration of the 30th anniversary of its New Comedy Awards. This initiative underscores the BBC's dedication to nurturing and showcasing British comedic talent across the UK, with a particular focus on affordable and distinctive programming.

Key Takeaways

• Ten new and returning comedy shows unveiled at the BBC Comedy Festival in Belfast.

• Over £500,000 in additional funding ringfenced for new comedy production in Northern Ireland.

• The BBC New Comedy Awards celebrates 30 years of discovering emerging comedic talent.

• Entries are now open for the 2025 BBC New Comedy Awards, with a new Head Judge announced.

New And Returning Comedy Series

At the BBC Comedy Festival in Belfast, BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie revealed a slate of ten upcoming and returning comedy programmes. These include new sitcoms such as "Ann Droid (w/t)", a show about a social humanoid robot designed for elderly companionship, and "The Reluctant Vampire", starring BAFTA winner Lenny Rush. "Bill's Included" will see Rob Brydon play a divorcee renting rooms to students to avoid financial hardship. "Small Prophets", created by Mackenzie Crook, features a cast including Sir Michael Palin and Sophie Willan. Guz Khan stars in "Stuffed", a comedy about an office worker's ill-fated trip to Lapland after a Christmas bonus.

The festival also confirmed the return of popular shows like "Only Child", "Funboys", "The Young Offenders", and "The Golden Cobra". Additionally, BBC Northern Ireland announced the commissioning of "Leonard and Hungry Paul", based on Rónán Hession's novel.

Petrie emphasized the BBC's position as the largest single investor in original comedy content in the UK, noting that eight of the top ten scripted comedies last year were broadcast on the BBC. He stressed the importance of brilliant characters, sharp jokes, and unique voices over elaborate productions, stating, "Great comedy always comes back to the fundamentals." He added that the priority is to keep shows "affordable and distinctive."

Celebrating 30 Years Of New Comedy Talent

The BBC New Comedy Awards is marking its 30th anniversary, continuing its legacy of launching the careers of many of the UK's most celebrated comedians. Past winners and participants include Alan Carr, Tom Allen, Lucy Beaumont, Josie Long, Nina Conti, Rhod Gilbert, Julian Barratt, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Russell Howard, Sarah Millican, and Joe Lycett.

This year, award-winning comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri takes on the role of Head Judge. The search for the 2025 winner is now underway, with entries open until May 25th. The competition welcomes performers of all genres, including stand-up, character, sketch, and musical comedy.

Regional heats will be televised weekly on BBC Three in September, with the Grand Final airing on BBC One in October, filmed in Bradford, the 2025 City of Culture. The 2025 winner will receive a paid commission for a 30-minute audio pilot, a trophy, and £1,000.

Jon Petrie highlighted the awards as a "vital showcase for the stand-up stars of tomorrow," encouraging aspiring comedians to seize the opportunity. The production team is committed to holding regional heats in underrepresented areas of the country, aiming to showcase talent from all corners of the UK.

Sources

• BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie unveils 10 star-studded new and returning shows, championing affordable,distinctive, UK comedy, BBC.

• BBC New Comedy Awards celebrates 30 years of finding the UK's funniest talent, BBC.