BBC New Comedy Awards Final 2023 - Meet the host Rosie Jones, the Guest Judges and the Finalists

The BBC’s foremost comedy talent search, The New Comedy Awards, has reached its climax.

How does it feel to be hosting the final of the New Comedy Awards?

Really good. I like being in charge and having the power, but I’m so glad that I am not a judge this year. I judged the final last year and it was so hard. I get to relax, none of the decisions are on me because if I had it my way, they’d all win.

What makes a good stand-up show?

It’s so obvious but just funny jokes, funny jokes by a funny person who is enjoying themselves. I find as a comedian and as an audience member, if the performer is enjoying it you go along with the ride.

What advice would you give to any budding comedians looking to apply next year?

Just get out there and start gigging because like everything it’s all about practise, so keep going. You’ll have good gigs, you’ll have bad gigs but if you keep going and keep striving to improve you’ll have a great time!

What’s the best piece of advice you got when you were starting out in your career?

I think quite literally keep on going, so just never think right I’ve done all the gigs now. Even now I try to gig at least three or four times a week because comedy is like a muscle. You’ve got to keep it up.

Did you ever take part in any comedy talent shows?

Not on TV but I did do a few of the comedy talent shows, I did like Funny Women, and they were brilliant in terms of giving me stage time and feeling like I had something to focus on and when you’re starting out to be able to say finalist or semi-finalists gets you on that rung of the ladder.

Tell us about the worst gig of your life.

You know what, I’ve have very few bad gigs because I am that talented. But I did have a bad gig when I had to follow the brilliant Lost Voice Guy, who’s also got cerebral palsy. I feel like he beat me to all the disabled jokes, so when I went on and said ‘Hello, I’m disabled!’ the whole audience were like ‘Yeah, bored’.

What’s the best city in the UK to perform in?

I’ve got to say it because I’m here, but I always have great gigs in Glasgow, I really feel like they have the best audiences. And I grew up loving Billy Connolly, Frankie Boyle and Kevin Bridges. So, I feel like there is something in the Glasgow water.