The New Act of the Year is looking for the next big name in comedy and new variety. A select number of acts will be auditioned and 12 will be chosen for the grand final, judged by top comedy promoters, agents and reviewers.

Previous finalists include Alan Davies, Harry Hill, Ardal O'Hanlon, Matt Lucas, Gina Yashere, Jo Brand, Dylan Moran, Eddie Izzard and many more household comedy names.