Performing in-front of a full-capacity crowd, a panel of celebrity comedian judges - featuring Chloe Petts, Tia Kofi, James Barr and Josh Jones – and nine fellow finalists, Willow’s confident delivery and perfectly timed punchlines raised the roof at London’s iconic Comedy Store.
Touching on everything from coming out - in Ikea, of all places - and exploring laser hair removal to misgendering, name changing and “Woke Cluedo”, Willow’s polished set and commanding stage presence wowed the judges from start to finish.
Commenting on their performance, James Barr said: “Comedy is at its best when it’s a protest and when it’s saying something. I genuinely believe that comedy is helping us move forward as a society, and Willow’s comedy is doing exactly that. It’s challenging the audience, its challenging pre-conceptions, and it’s just so funny.”
Willow Marler said: “It’s not easy being trans, particularly at a time when we’re being silenced, marginalised and subjected to so much hatred. But the one thing I love about comedy is that I get to have a mic, I get to be on stage, and people just have to listen to me talking about being trans. Last year I went through a very difficult time with my mental health, but taking up stand-up comedy has completely turned things around for me. And now I’ve won the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year and it feels absolutely amazing!”
Now in its fifth year, the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year attracted more than 140 entries from comedians across the country. The competition is the UK’s only dedicated showcase of its kind, giving emerging queer comedians a chance to develop their material, find audiences and get their comedy in front of the wider industry. This year’s runner-up prize was awarded to Glasgow comic Scout Robertson, who impressed the judges with deft comedic timing and dark humour.
Chris Smith, founder of Comedy Bloomers, said: “Willow winning this year’s contest really demonstrates just how far LGBTQ+ comedy has come. She is a shining example of someone who has embraced her experiences as a transgender person, overcome huge challenges and emerged stronger, more confident, and funnier. She’s not only a brilliant comedian, but also someone who has the courage to stand up, be a visible face of our community and share her experiences with honesty, humour and vulnerability. I really hope her success inspires others who may be going through similar experiences to embrace who they are, find their voice and have the confidence to get out there, be loud, be proud and unapologetically themselves.”
New for this year, Comedy Bloomers’ YouTube channel will host all of this year’s Grand Final performances, giving audiences all over the world the chance to enjoy LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year for free. In turn, the finalists’ performances will continue to be discovered and shared long after the competition itself is over, putting their comedy in front of new fans and industry audiences.
The competition also raises funds for charity partner Rainbow Migration. YouTube viewers will be able to watch the final performances with the option to donate what they can.
LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2026 will be available to watch for free on Comedy Bloomers YouTube Channel from 21 November.
