This year's competition gets under way

Thanyia Moore has become the first comedian to make it through to the semi-finals of the BBC New Comedy Award.

She won her heat at Up The Creek in Greenwich last month, and the result was revealed when the gig was broadcast on Radio 4 Extra tonight.

Two runners-up, Amy Saunders and Ben Lawrence, also have a shot at a semi-final place, to be decided at the end of the heats.

Past winners and finalists of the BBC New Comedy Award include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Joe Lycett, Josie Long, and Nina Conti.

The winner of this year’s title will take home £1,000 and a 15-minute script commission from BBC Studios. 

The semis and the final – which will be hosted by Mark Watson – take place at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Published: 6 Jul 2018