It was axed in 2006, being replaced by a nationwide talent hunt that places its emphasis on sketch writing and filmed performance.
By the 2022 contest, BBC Three had returned to terrestrial TV, so the heats were aired on that channel and the final aired on BBC One.
The finals of this event have boasted many well known names that have continued to work in comedy to great acclaim - amongst the winners of the award are: Julian Barratt (1995), Marcus Brigstocke (1996), Paul Foot (1997), Josie Long (1999), Alan Carr (2001), Nina Conti (2002), Rhod Gilbert (2003), Angela Barnes (2011) and Lost Voice Guy (2014).
Other notable finalists include Peter Kay, Bennett Arron, Lee Mack, Russell Howard, Daniel Kitson, Justin Lee Collins, David O'Doherty, Shappi Khorsandi, Joe Lycett and Sarah Millican.
[2][3] Kit Rees (as Hester Ectomy) Jin Hao Li Chantel Nash Dean T Beirne Paddy Young Marty Gleeson Jake Donaldson[nb 2] Dane Buckley Maia Tassalini Jonathan Oldfield