Line-ups revealed – starting with a Christmas special

The line-up for the 20th series of Live At The Apollo has been announced.

The stand-up showcase returns to BBC Two with a festive special of hosted by Josh Widdicombe and featuring Andrew Mensah and Harriet Kemsley,

The other episodes are:

Episode 2: Mo Gilligan (host), Laura Smyth, Josh Pugh

Episode 3: Dara O Briain (host), Jack Skipper, Felicity Ward

Episode 4: Desiree Burch (host), Suzi Ruffell, Finlay Christie

Episode 5: Ivo Graham (host), Catherine Bohart, Nabil Abdulrashid

Episode 6: Kiri Pritchard-McLean (host), Eshaan Akbar, Angela Barnes

Episode 7: Tom Davies (host), Kae Kurd, Louise Young

The 20th series of the showcase – filmed at the Hammersmith Apollo in London – was commissioned in 2023 at the same time as the 19th.

At the time, Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, hailed the series as it ‘provides a platform for fresh and experienced comedians to showcase themselves. The show has consistently delivered the finest comedy talents to our viewers, and we are excited to keep bringing fresh and hilarious stand-up acts for all to enjoy.’

And Andrew Beint, managing director of  programme-makers Open Mike Productions added: ‘We will continue to introduce viewers to some of the funniest homegrown and international stand-up comedic talent currently working in today's comedy industry.

Live At The Apollo began in 2006 with the first two series hosted by Jack Dee, and guest hosts after that.  At its peak in 2009, it hit 6.2 million viewers, for an episode featuring Rhod Gilbert and John Bishop.

Aside from Dee, Dara Ó Briain and Jason Manford have made the most appearances – seven and six respectively –  followed by Rich Hall, Sean Lock, Sarah Millican and Sara Pascoe, who have all made five. 

Published: 1 Dec 2025