Chloe Reynolds from Staffordshire has won the Howes Percival Leicester Comedian of the Year 2026 Competition at Leicester Comedy Festival, securing the coveted championship trophy along with a cash prize.
On winning the prestigious title of Leicester Comedian of the Year, Chloe Reynolds said: “So far I’ve had a mental breakdown and I’ve also worried about getting a cat sitter for tomorrow, but other than that I feel good, I think!”.
Valeria Vulpe was named runner-up. Jack Kelly was in third place.
Other comedians taking part included Oliver Moore, Ciara O'Connor, Oro Rose and Sapphire McIntosh.
The final, hosted by Live at the Apollo & QI comedian Emmanuel Sonubi, celebrated up & coming acts and included a headline set from 2025 winner Louise Atkinson.
The event took place on 21 February at The Y Theatre as part of the closing weekend of the annual Leicester Comedy Festival.
Competitors are nominated for the final by top comedy promotors from across the UK, including Barry Ferns (Angel Comedy), Ed Strong (Chuckle Busters), Jessica Toomey (FAB Management & Frog and Bucket), Jill Edwards (Comic Boom & Comedy Workshops Coach), Darrell Martin (Just the Tonic), Alex Hylton (Jokes On Us), Che Burnley (Alternative Black Comedy Showcase) and Sian Davis (Best In Class).
This year’s judging panel included Eshaan Akbar (comedian and Festival Patron), Izzy Bromfield (Avalon), Taylor McLeod (UTC Artists Management), Georgi McKie (Gag Reflex), Altaf Sarwar (LuvEntertainment).
The competition is well-established for championing future stars of comedy, with Romesh Ranganathan, Josh Widdicombe, Jason Manford, Seann Walsh, Nina Gilligan, Rhod Gilbert and Johnny Vegas amongst the previous winners.
Charlotte Laidet, Festivals and Programme Director at Big Difference Company, said, “More than three decades on, the Leicester Comedian of the Year competition continues to spotlight an outstanding new generation of comic talent. Championing rising performers remains central to our festival’s mission, and it’s something we’re truly proud to support. Congratulations to Chloe Reynolds on taking this year’s crown and well done to all who took part — I’m certain we’ll be seeing many of them lighting up the comedy circuit for years to come."
Gary Pitt, Partner at Howes Percival, said, “We are proud to support Leicester Comedian of the Year and to play a part in celebrating new and emerging comedy talent. The competition has an outstanding reputation for spotting performers at the start of their careers, and this year's final was a brilliant showcase of that creativity and ambition. Congratulations to Chloe Reynolds and to everyone who took part."
Picture: Tyler Bartlam
