Romesh is the best of Leicester

Ranganathan wins new act crown

Romesh Ranganathan  has won this year’s Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Award, following in the footsteps of Rhod Gilbert, Jason Manford and Johnny Vegas.

A 34-year-old former maths teacher from Crawley, West Sussex, Ranganathan has been performing stand-up for three years, and has previously been named Latitude New Act of The Year.

He said of scooping the title: ‘Tonight’s line-up was so strong I never thought I stood a chance of winning.  Everyone on stage tonight will go on to become brilliant comedians.’

Joint runners-up last night were Mark Simmons and Lucy Beaumont, who has already scooped the BBC new act title.

Geoff Rowe, director of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival, said: ‘The judges all felt the standard was extremely high. The variety and diversity of comedic talent on display tonight proves that British comedy is in rude health.’

Published: 24 Feb 2013

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