Leicester’s comedy fans were in high spirits, as Chloe Reynold was crowned Howes Percival Leicester Comedian of the Year 2026 during the closing weekend of the Leicester Comedy Festival.
Her victory, on Saturday (February 21) earned her the coveted championship trophy and a cash prize, marking her as one of the UK’s rising comedic talents.
Picture credit: Leicester Comedy Festival
On winning, Chloe, from Staffordshire quipped: “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!”
The runner-up title went to Valeria Vulpe, with other finalists including local favourites and rising stars Oliver Moore, Ciara O’Connor, Jack Kelly, Oro Rose, and Sapphire McIntosh.
The show was hosted at The Y Theatre, right in the heart of the city, a venue known for championing local and emerging performers. Hosting duties were handled by Live at the Apollo & QI comedian Emmanuel Sonubi, and the evening featured a headline set from last year’s winner Louise Atkinson.
Competitors are nominated by top comedy promoters from across the UK, including Barry Ferns (Angel Comedy) and Jessica Toomey (FAB Management & Frog and Bucket), ensuring the Leicester Comedian of the Year remains a showcase for the country’s brightest new comic talent.
The judging panel this year included comedian and Festival Patron Eshaan Akbar, Izzy Bromfield (Avalon), Taylor McLeod (UTC Artists Management), Georgi McKie (Gag Reflex), and Altaf Sarwar (LuvEntertainment).
The competition has a long history of spotlighting future comedy stars, with past winners including Romesh Ranganathan, Josh Widdicombe, Jason Manford, Seann Walsh, Nina Gilligan, Rhod Gilbert, and Johnny Vegas.
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 shine a light on an outstanding new generation of comic talent. It’s brilliant to see Chloe Reynolds claim this year’s crown, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the creativity coming through right here in Leicester.”
Gary Pitt, Partner at Howes Percival, added: “Supporting Leicester Comedian of the Year is a fantastic way to champion emerging talent. This year’s final was a brilliant showcase of ambition and humour, and Chloe’s win is very well-deserved. We’re proud to play a part in the city’s comedy scene.”
With venues buzzing and audiences packed, the 2026 Leicester Comedy Festival closed on a high note, proving once again that Leicester is a city where laughter and talent go hand in hand.
