BBC New Comedy Awards 2025: Grand Final Hits iPlayer and BBC One This November

The BBC's premier comedy talent search, the BBC New Comedy Awards, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a spectacular Grand Final. This year's event will be held at Bradford's iconic Alhambra Theatre and will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on November 19th, promising an evening of laughter and discovery as the next breakout comedy star is crowned.

Key Takeaways

• The Grand Final of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2025 will take place on November 19th.

• The event will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

• Bradford's Alhambra Theatre is the venue for this year's final.

• Amy Gledhill will host, with Fatiha El-Ghorri leading the judging panel.

• The competition has a rich history of launching successful comedy careers.

A Star-Studded Celebration

Hosted by the acclaimed Amy Gledhill, winner of the Edinburgh Comedy Award 2024, the Grand Final will see Head Judge Fatiha El-Ghorri, alongside judges Harriet Kemsley and Adjani Salmon, tasked with identifying the funniest new talent of 2025. The show will also feature a special performance by last year's winner, Paul Hilleard.

The Road to the Final

This year's competition began with nearly 1000 applicants, who were narrowed down to 30 finalists participating in six heats. These heats, recorded across various iconic venues in Bristol, Birmingham, London, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Belfast, have been airing weekly on BBC Three and iPlayer throughout September. The winners from the upcoming Glasgow and Belfast heats will join the already selected finalists: Jess Carrivick, Eli Hart, Evaldas Karosas, and Shugufta Choudhry, in the ultimate showdown.

A Legacy of Laughter

Since its inception in 1995, the BBC New Comedy Awards has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous beloved British comedians, including Peter Kay, Sarah Millican, and Joe Lycett. The 2025 winner will receive a significant prize: a paid commission for a 30-minute audio pilot with BBC Comedy, a trophy, and £1,000 in cash.

Production and Accessibility

Produced by Phil McIntyre Television, the series is committed to showcasing emerging talent from all regions of the UK, with a focus on often underrepresented areas. Past finals and televised heats are available for viewing on BBC iPlayer, ensuring that fans can catch up on the competition's rich history.

Sources

• BBC New Comedy Awards 2025 Grand Final from Bradford comes to iPlayer and BBC One in November, BBC.