Emer named as finalist in top comedian award

STRABANE'S Emer Maguire has been announced as one of ten finalists for the Sean Lock Comedy Award.

Emer has been invited to perform live at a comedy event this week to celebrate the award in this year’s City of Culture, Bradford.

She said: "I am over the moon to be announced as a finalist for the huge Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award.

"Channel 4 has chosen the top ten up and coming comedy talents from across the UK to appear in the final - I cannot believe I’m one of the top ten, especially given that I adored Sean Lock and his irreverent comedy.

"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."

Channel 4 announced the return of the 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 tomorrow (Thursday), coinciding with its year as UK City of Culture, with the night hosted by Edinburgh Comedy Award winning comedian, Amy Gledhill.

The other finalists are Samira Banks, Paul Hilleard, Limahl Germain, Dane Buckley, Thor Stenhaug, Tom Towelling, Sharon Wanjohi, Sydney May and 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."

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.

Damon Pettitt from Off the Kerb and Sean’s former agent, added: “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.”