Patrick Kielty to Host BBC New Comedy Award

Comedian Patrick Kielty will host the final of the BBC New Comedy award.

Past BBC New Comedy Award finalists include Alan Carr, Sarah Millican and Marcus Brigstocke. Last year’s winner was Angela Barnes.

She said: ‘It is no way an exaggeration to say that winning the BBC New Comedy Award has changed my life. A year ago, stand-up comedy was my hobby. Now it's my job!.

‘In the year since I've won I have written on my favourite radio show, played Latitude Festival and Laughs in The Park, and I've met Terry Wogan AND Gary Barlow! If you had told me a year ago any of those things would have happened, I would have laughed in your face.’

And she told would-be comedians: ‘If you're umming and aahing about entering, just do it. There is really nothing to lose and everything to gain.'

The winner will receive £1,000 and the chance for a commission from BBC Radio Comedy, as well as receiving development advice and guidance from the BBC comedy department.