London-based Japanese comedian Yuriko Kotani has won the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2015.

The final, hosted by Patrick Kielty at the Comedy Store, was broadcast live on BBC Radio 2’s Steve Wright In The Afternoon Show with six comedians battling it out for the coveted accolade. This year’s finalists were Athena Kugblenu, Andy Storey, Ken Cheng, Michael Stranney, Russ Peers and Yuriko Kotani.

On being announced the winner, Yuriko said: "I'm speechless... This is so wonderful!"

She takes home £1000 and development support from the BBC Radio Comedy department; with advice, guidance and the chance to appear in slots across the BBC.

Yuriko was named as "One To Watch" by Time Out in 2015. She went on to become first runner up in So You Think You're Funny. 

The BBC Radio New Comedy Award provides a platform for aspiring comics to showcase their talent. Previous finalists include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Sarah Millican and Russell Howard.

This year over 750 acts entered, with 80 acts competing in eight regional heats held across the UK; 12 were chosen to perform in the semi-finals in Cardiff and Manchester; and lastly, six acts were put through to the final stage by a panel of comedy judges, which included Lloyd Langford, Robin Ince, Gary Delaney and Danielle Ward. Kotani was chosen as winner via a public vote after the broadcast.

Read a review of the show here.