Nica Burns, the longstanding director of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, has today unveiled the judging panel that will decide the winners of the annual competition.

The panel - consisting of eight industry professionals and two passionate comedy fans - has been assembled at short notice, following confirmation last month that the awards had secured sponsorship money to allow it to continue.

The panel will be chaired by Sky producer Adnan Ahmed, who also helmed last year's panel.

The full list is...

Adnan Ahmed (Sky Studios)

Stephen Armstrong (The Sunday Times)

Andy Brereton (Channel 4)

Liz Daramola (Baby Cow Productions)

Gwyn Rhys Davies (BBC Studios)

Rachael Healy (The Guardian)

Dominic Maxwell (The Times)

Anya Ryan (Freelance critic)

Alex Caven (Member of the Public)

Jane Dempsey (Member of the Public)

Nica Burns explains: "At extremely short notice, our fantastic judging panel have committed their time, energy and expertise to the lengthy and rigorous judging process to support comedians and the Edinburgh Comedy Awards. We look forward to some lively, erudite debates!

"Time was not on our side this year to facilitate the nationwide competition we run for our coveted judging seats for members of the public. We have therefore welcomed back two previous competition winners from 2017 and 2018 respectively whose passion for comedy is such that they have returned every year contributing to our scouting team. Their votes, as comedy audience members, are an essential element of our process."

The 41st Edinburgh Comedy Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday 26th August, following the shortlist being announced on Wednesday 23rd August.

The Awards categories are:

Sky Best Comedy Show - with a cash prize of £10,000

DLT Entertainment Best Newcomer - with a cash prize of £5,000

The Victoria Wood Award (formerly the Panel Prize) - with a cash prize of £5,000