Winner to be chosen at Bradford gig next week

Channel 4 has announced the finalists of this year’s of the Sean Lock Comedy Award.

The winner will get a £5,000 grant to help them further develop their live work, a script commission from Channel 4’s comedy team, and paid writing opportunities within Channel 4’s entertainment and digital departments. 

Competing for the title in Bradford – this year’s City of Culture – next Thursday are:

• Samira Banks
• Emer Maguire
• Paul Hilleard
• Limahl Germain
• Dane Buckley
• Thor Stenhaug
• Tom Towelling
• Sharon Wanjohi
• Sydney May
• Roger O’Sullivan

All the finalists will be paid for their performance and given the opportunity to have two mentoring sessions with Channel 4 comedy commissioners.

Charlie Perkins, head of comedy at Channel 4, said: ‘It was a pleasure to watch and read the work of so many amazing nominations for this year’s Sean Lock Comedy Award. The standard was crazy-high, and we really appreciate the time and effort people put in. 

‘This year’s finalists show a huge spread of talent and originality, congratulations to all of them – what a haul. We can’t wait for the event in Bradford and for all of their futures.’

The title –  which aims to showcase ‘performers who exemplify Sean's distinctive comedic spirit and Channel 4's commitment to boundary-pushing comedy’ – has previously been won by Eric Rushton and Harriet Dyer.

Lock’s former agent, Damon Pettitt from Off the Kerb, said: ‘The previous couple of years have provided two worthy winners owing to their originality and distinct voice. I look forward to seeing who is in the frame this year.’

The finalists were nominated by an expert panel drawn from around the UK comprising: David Bleese, Monkey Barrel Comedy, Edinburgh; Dian Cathal, comedian, writer and diversity advocate; Jade Henry from Empire Laughs Back, Belfast;  Ryan Taylor, The Pleasance; Henry Widdicombe from Little Wander; Lateef Ogunjobi co-founder of All Jokes Aside; Adam Jaremko from The Glee Clubs; and Jake Graham, TV producer and founder of Proud of Yourself Comedy, London.

Published: 12 Nov 2025