The Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Final has taken place at the Y Theatre as part of this year's Leicester Comedy Festival.

Eight acts chosen by the comedy industry competed for the prestigious trophy. Previous winners include Kate Lucas (2014), Romesh Ranganathan (2013), Josh Widdicombe (2010), Rhod Gilbert (2003), Jason Manford (2000) and Johnny Vegas (1997). And this year's winner is Firuz Ozari.

The other finalists were:

-      Nick Elleray

-      Hayley Ellis

-      Louise Leigh

-      Lucila San Martin

-      John Meagher

-      Ashish Suri

-      Sam Williams 

The judging panel was Charlotte Lang (cabaret tent, Glastonbury Festival), Owen Hughes (Union JACK Radio), Lee Martin (Gag Reflex), Rachael Healy (The Guardian) and Altaf Sarwar (Desi Central).

Leicester Comedy Festival Founding Director, Geoff Rowe, said: “The Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year competition is one of the longest-standing comedy competitions in the UK and it’s always a real highlight of the Leicester Comedy Festival.  It’s fantastic to be able to support and put a spotlight on new and emerging talent, particularly after the disruption the pandemic has caused to the arts and entertainment industry over the past couple of years.”