Some of comedy's top acts are set to appear in a new series of Live at the Apollo. 

The long-running BBC stand-up showcase has been filming a new series of shows at the Hammersmith venue this week. No broadcast date has been announced, but given that the shows include a Christmas Special – Noel at the Apollo – Beyond The Joke guesses that they will air this autumn as they have done in the past. 

There was no new series last year due to Covid.

So far BTJ has learnt that Angela Barnes (who made her debut as host), Larry Dean and Jason Manford are three of the big stars filmed at the venue. Manford has previously made five appearances. If he does make his sixth appearance in this run the only comics who will have appeared more are Dara O Briain (7) and Jack Dee (14).

Zoe Lyons hosted an episode featuring Tom Ward and Ria Lina. Lina is the only female Filipina comedian in British stand up and has performed for audiences across the world and has been the finalist in multiple comedy competitions. She won Best Comedy Show at the Greater Manchester Fringe and was a finalist in Amused Moose Comedy Awards at the Edinburgh Fringe. 

Lina has a BSc in Experimental Pathology, an MSc in Forensic Science and a PhD in Virology, so she is better qualified to comment on Covid-19 than most comedians. 

According to posts on social media from fans who were there newcomer Scott Bennett was also filmed - Bennett, who is from Nottingham, has a reputation as one of the country's best club comics and regularly streamed gigs from his shed during the pandemic.

Award-winner and panel show star Maisie Adam and Sarah Keyworth, Edinburgh Best Newcomer nominee, also did sets on the Apollo stage. Jen Brister hosted a show with Esther Manito and Adam Rowe. Slim, Harriet Kemsley and Helen Bauer were also filmed, as was Tim Renkow, the star of BBC comedy Jerk.

The official finalised line-up has not been revealed yet and it is possible that some of the performers filmed this week may not appear in the final edit.