Channel 4 has announced the return of the Sean Lock Comedy Award for its third consecutive year, continuing to spotlight the best up-and-coming comedic talent from across the UK. The 2025 final will take place in Bradford next week, coinciding with its year as UK City of Culture, with the night hosted by Edinburgh Comedy Award winning comedian Amy Gledhill.
The Sean Lock Comedy Award, established in memory of the much-loved comedian, aims to showcase performers who exemplify Sean’s distinctive comedic spirit and Channel 4’s commitment to boundary-pushing comedy.
The winner of the 2025 Sean Lock Comedy Award will be rewarded with a comprehensive prize package. This includes a £5,000 grant to help them further develop their live work, a script commission from Channel 4’s Comedy team, and paid writing opportunities within Channel 4’s Entertainment and Digital departments.
As part of the award, Channel 4 has worked with several live comedy venues and promoters across the UK to nominate and shortlist a group of standout finalists.
The following finalists have been invited to perform live at a comedy event to celebrate the award in this year’s City of Culture, Bradford:
- Samira Banks
- Emer Maguire
- Paul Hilleard
- Limahl Germain
- Dane Buckley
- Thor Stenhaug
- Tom Towelling
- Sharon Wanjohi
- Sydney May
- Roger O’Sullivan
All the finalists will be paid for their performance and given the opportunity to have two mentoring sessions with Channel 4 comedy commissioners.
Charlie Perkins, Head of Comedy at Channel 4, said: “It was a pleasure to watch and read the work of so many amazing nominations for this year’s Sean Lock Comedy Award. The standard was crazy-high, and we really appreciate the time and effort people put in. This year’s finalists show a huge spread of talent and originality, congratulations to all of them- what a haul. We can’t wait for the event in Bradford and for all of their futures."
Damon Pettitt from Off the Kerb and Sean’s former agent, said: “The previous couple of years have provided two worthy winners owing to their originality and distinct voice. I look forward to seeing who is in the frame this year.”
The nomination panel was David Bleese, Monkey Barrel Comedy, Edinburgh; Dian Cathal, comedian, writer and diversity advocate, Jade Henry from Empire Laughs Back, Belfast; Ryan Taylor, The Pleasance London and Edinburgh; Henry Widdicombe from Little Wander Ltd., Lateef Ogunjobi co-founder of All Jokes Aside; Adam Jaremko from The Glee Clubs, Midlands and North; and Jake Graham, TV producer and founder of Proud of Yourself Comedy, London.
Photo credit: Will Johnston Photography
