Josh Jones’ comedy combines sharp observations with candid tales from his own life. An Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee for his debut show Waste of Space, Josh has appeared on television favourites including 8 Out of 10 Cats, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Welcome to the competition, Josh! How does it feel to be joining the judging panel at this year’s LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year?
Yeah, really nice. I think it’s gonna be super fun.
When you started in comedy, you played “tough rooms” and working men’s clubs in front of “scary old drunk men” – how do you think this landscape has changed in recent years?
Honestly, those gigs are great, and they really help you grow as a comedian. The audience is a lot more welcoming than people might think they are. Normally they are only hard gigs if you’re a bit shit.
What would you say was the single most pivotal moment in your career in comedy?
I think when I started touring, and people were coming to see me on purpose, that was a big pinch-me moment. But to be honest, just being on the circuit and learning from more experienced comics and spending years focusing on getting better is the most pivotal thing for a comedian. Each year you do it just to pick up more skills. The thing I love the most about comedy is that the more you put into getting better, you do see results, and you can see yourself improve as a writer and performer.
What advice would you give this year’s nine finalists just before they step onto the stage?
Just do your best jokes and enjoy yourself! It’s honestly not that serious; just try to have a good time and relax.
Comedy competitions can be exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure. What tips can you give our contestants on how to handle the pressure?
When I am nervous about work stuff, I just remind myself that I am prepared. I know the jokes I want to do, and you just have to say to yourself when you walk on stage, “I’m gonna enjoy this”.
What makes LGBTQ New Comedian of the Year different from other comedy competitions?
It’s nice to have an audience that is expecting LGBTQ comedy because you can do jokes that you know the whole room will get. And I think it’s gonna be just a super supportive and lovely audience.
How important are dedicated queer comedy spaces for emerging performers?
They are super important because queer comedians have a place to work and feel safe, and it’s nice to have an audience of like-minded people.
What are you looking forward to most about judging the finals?
I really am just excited to see some new comedians and hopefully find a favourite new comedian who just really makes me belly laugh.
As a judge, what characteristics will you be looking out for most in contestants’ performances?
I am looking for someone who is uniquely themselves and hands down hilarious.
What’s the best – or most chaotic – thing that has ever happened to you while performing?
Once I was gigging, and I pulled my back, and my Deep Heat patch fell off in front of the crowd and stuck to the stage floor, and I had to bend down and stick it back on, but it took me ages to bend down because I had pulled my back.
Which queer comedians inspired you when you were starting out?
I still love her, but when I started, I really liked Wanda Sykes. Some of the stand-up routines she has written are so funny; I love her.
Complete the sentence: The future of LGBTQ+ comedy is…
Hopefully really funny! We hope so, and I’m sure it will be.
Finally, give us one excellent reason why people should come to the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year final.
Honestly, it’s just really exciting to see new talent, and you will probably see someone who then will keep growing and go on to have a fabulous career! I think it’s gonna be a super fun night, and I am so excited that as a judge I get to watch everyone and just be laughing with everyone.
Josh Jones will be a judge at The LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2026, on 10 November 2026, 7:30pm, at The Comedy Store, 1a Oxendon Street, London SW1Y 4EE, United Kingdom.
