BBC begins search for best new comedians

Entries have opened for the BBC New Comedy Awards, which this year is searching for the best new stand-up and digital comedian in the UK.

The competition, which began in 1995, has helped launch the careers of stars such as Peter Kay, Russell Howard and Sarah Millican.

The new comedian award winner will receive a paid commission to write and perform in a 30-minute audio pilot under the mentorship of a BBC comedy commissioner, plus a trophy and £1,000. The best digital comedian will win a paid commission for a BBC comedy digital short and a trophy.