The BBC’s foremost comedy talent search, The New Comedy Awards, has reached its climax. Over 1,000 applied, more than 100 went head-to-head at showcases across the country and 30 battled it out in the regional heats. Now, six finalists take to the stage in their bid to win over the judges and be crowned the BBC New Comedian of 2023.

Filmed in front of a full house at one of Scotland’s most historic and significant playhouses, King’s Theatre, Glasgow, which opened in 1904 and has played host to top stars and stand-up comics ever since.

The Grand Final is a culmination of six regional heats filmed across the UK. The judges have a tough job picking a winner from a diverse range of cutting-edge comics.

The awards are hosted by award-winning stand-up, writer and actor Rosie Jones. Head judge Josh Pugh takes his place for the final time and is joined by fellow stand-ups Zoe Lyons and Darren Harriot. Former winner of the New Comedian Award 2022 Dan Tiernan gives a very special performance before handing over the award to this year’s recipient.

First established in 1995, these prestigious awards have helped build the careers of some of Britain’s most-loved comedians including Peter Kay, Joe Lycett, Lee Mack, Julian Barratt, Josie Long, Shappi Khorsandi, Romesh Ranganathan, Alan Carr, Russell Howard, Lee Ridley, Nina Conti, Rhod Gilbert, Tom Allen, Lauren Pattison and Sarah Millican to name a few.

The BBC New Comedy Awards is unearthing a rich and broad range of brand new comedy stars from all corners of the country, helping to put British comedy back at the heart of world-class entertainment.

The final of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2023 airs tonight on BBC One and iPlayer at 10.40pm.