Comic praised for 'wholly original, beautifully curated and wildly varied set'

Tom Towelling has won this year’s Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award.

The offbeat comic took the title at a showcase in Bradford last night, following in the footsteps of previous winners Eric Rushton and Harriet Dyer.

He said: ‘I’m really chuffed and it feels so amazing to win. I'm pretty ecstatic and I feel a little bit emotional. I’m so proud of all the acts and I thought it was a great show. 

‘Sean Lock is an icon for so many comics and non-comics and I'm really proud to have won this award.’

Towelling's prize package  includes a £5,000 grant to help him further develop his live work, a script commission from Channel 4’s comedy team and paid writing opportunities within Channel 4’s entertainment and digital departments. 

The comic – who was formerly in the double act Good Kids – has been performing as a stand-up since 2023 in his home town of Birmingham.  He attributes his love of comedy to his numerous aunts and uncles who regaled him with tales at birthdays, weddings, funerals and ‘ceremonies for other Catholic sacraments’ over the years. 

Charlie Perkins, head of comedy at Channel 4, said: ‘Tom ripped the roof off with his wholly original, beautifully curated and wildly varied set tonight, and alongside his imaginative writing we felt such a sense of excitement for his future and the many amazing directions it will inevitably go in. '

Huge congratulations to him and to all of the finalists - the future of UK comedy feels brighter than ever.’

The other finalists also get help from Channel 4, which also examined their future ideas and past work before choosing the winner. They were: Samira Banks, Emer Maguire, Paul Hilleard, Limahl Germain, Dane Buckley, Thor Stenhaug, Sharon Wanjohi, Sydney May and Roger O’Sullivan.

Channel 4 worked with several live comedy venues and promoters across the UK to nominate and shortlist the finalists to perform in Bradford, this year's UK City Of Culture. 

They were: 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 in Wales;  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: 21 Nov 2025