The BBC New Comedy Award first appeared in 1995 and were considered to be one of the top UK comedy newcomer awards until they were axed in 2006. It was announced in the summer of 2006 that they were being replaced by a nationwide talent hunt that places its emphasis on sketch writing and filmed performance. During their decade long life span the finals of this event have boasted many well known names that have continued to work in comedy to great acclaim - amongst the winners of the award are: Julian Barratt (1995), Marcus Brigstocke (1996), Paul Foot (1997), Josie Long (1999), Alan Carr (2001), Nina Conti (2002), and Rhod Gilbert (2003). Other notable finalists include Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Russell Howard, Daniel Kitson, Justin Lee Collins, David O'Doherty, Shappi Khorsandi, Chris Addison and Sarah Millican.
In March 2011 the BBC Radio New Comedy Award was relaunched in conjunction with BBC Radio 2, and as of 2013 is run as a joint project between Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4 Extra. The current arrangement is for 4 Extra to broadcast the heats and semi-finals of the contest, whilst Radio 2 broadcasts the live final plus highlights from earlier stages on Steve Wright in the Afternoon.