Comedian - Paul Hilleard - Comedy in Your Eye
- comedyinyoureye
- Aug 15
- 3 min read

Comedian - Paul Hilleard - Comedy: The Dry, Welsh Oddball Crowned Britain's Funniest Newcomer
An Introduction to a Comic You Need to Know
Every year, the UK comedy scene eagerly awaits the crowning of a new champion, a fresh voice destined for stardom. In 2024, that voice belongs to Paul Hilleard. This dry, Welsh oddball from the Rhondda valleys has been officially named the winner of the most prestigious prize in new comedy, the BBC New Comedy Award. With a unique style, an understated delivery, and the biggest award in the business under his belt, Paul Hilleard is not just a comedian to watch—he is the comedian to see right now.
The Journey to the Stage
Paul Hilleard is a 28-year-old comedian who hails from the famous Rhondda valleys in Wales and is now based in Bristol. He brings a distinctive Welsh perspective to his comedy, one that is both specific in its origins and universal in its appeal. He has been honing his craft on the UK circuit, developing a unique persona that stands out in a crowded field. His journey from the valleys to the winner's podium of the nation's biggest comedy competition is a testament to his hard work, originality, and undeniable talent.
The Anatomy of a Joke: Style and Substance
Paul's comedic style is best described as "dry, Welsh oddball". He possesses an understated and deadpan delivery that makes his sharp punchlines all the more effective. He has an ability to find the absurd in the everyday, presenting his unique worldview in a way that is both hilarious and strangely logical. Fellow comedian Babatunde Aleshe has praised his performance, noting that his "energy and delivery on stage [are] absolutely fantastic". This captivating presence, combined with his brilliantly crafted jokes, makes an evening with Paul Hilleard a truly memorable and laugh-out-loud experience.
A Trophy Cabinet of Triumphs
In 2024, Paul Hilleard achieved the comedy equivalent of striking gold. He was crowned the winner of the BBC New Comedy Award, one of the most respected and influential accolades in the UK. This award has a storied history of launching the careers of comedy legends, including Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Russell Howard, and Alan Carr, placing Paul in truly elite company. Winning this competition is a career-defining moment that marks him as the absolute best of the new generation of stand-up talent. His victory at the BBC New Comedy Awards was the culmination of a promising rise. He was previously a nominee for the Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition in 2019, signalling his potential early on. His talent has also earned him a spot on one of the biggest nights in British television, with an appearance on Comic Relief, where he will perform as part of Red Nose Day.
Beyond the Spotlight: Digital Dominance and Other Ventures
As a newly crowned champion, Paul's profile is set to explode. His performances from the BBC New Comedy Awards have already been featured across BBC platforms, including iPlayer and social media channels like TikTok, introducing his unique brand of humour to a massive new audience. He has also appeared on podcasts like the Problematic Pub Podcast, giving listeners a deeper insight into the mind behind the jokes. This is just the beginning of what is sure to be a major media presence for this rising star.
A Comic in Your Eye
To see Paul Hilleard perform live is to witness the very beginning of a stellar career. He is the official winner of the UK's biggest comedy prize, a comedian with a truly original voice and a style that is all his own. He is, without a doubt, the next big thing in British comedy. Comedy in Your Eye is incredibly proud to host the newly crowned champion and offer audiences the chance to say, "I saw him right at the start".
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