The finalists in the annual new act competition run by the Laughing Horse chain of comedy clubs have been announced.

A total of 550 aspiring stand-ups entered this year’s event – 350 of them from London alone - demonstrating just how many hopefuls are trying to forge a career in comedy.

Over the past 14 weeks, 40 nationwide heats have taken place, whittling the entrants down to the final 11.

They are:   

• Gary Bell, from Leicester, the final will be only his 5th gig.
• Vince Atta, from Bolton
• Papa CJ, who has recently moved to the UK from India
• Tony Littler, from Manchester
• Griff Griffiths
• Joe Wilkinson
• Nathan Caton
• James Branch
• Alan Stick
• Rick Kiesewetter
• Terry Sanders,
• and Adam English, all from London.

The final takes place at The Watershed nightclub, in Wimbledon, South West London on April 8, and the winner receives £700 plus paid bookings at Laughing Horse venues.