Samira Banks has won So You Think You're Funny?, the Edinburgh Fringe-based new act stand-up competition.

Banks is a stand-up of Middle Eastern origin, based in London. Her set focused on topics including how her father entered Britain and the categorisation of ethnic groups on adult websites.

Deadpan Christopher Donovan, who discussed a sunburn incident and working in a betting shop, was named the runner-up. The judges gave third place to Lizzie Norm, who joked about her fashion sense at the age of 53, and revealed a love of cakes.

Dedicated to providing a stage for emerging talent, this competition is only open to new acts who have performed fewer than 15 spots and are currently unsigned. Over 500 comedians applied, with those selected then invited to perform at regional showcases across the UK, with the best then appearing in front of a panel of judges and audiences at competition heats throughout August at the Fringe.

Hosted by 2017 winner Maisie Adam, the grand final took place in the Gilded Balloon venue tonight (Thursday 24th August), with each contestant having 7 minutes on stage.

Due to the high standard of entries, ten finalists instead of the usual nine competed this year. The other comics taking part were Alex Lennox, Archit Goenka, Carwyn Blayney, Chantel Nash, Cormac Sinnott, Lauren Carroll and Sophie Gerrad.

The judging panel included Greg McHugh (Gary: Tank Commander star), Bruce Dessau (Evening Standard), Susan Provan (Melbourne Comedy Festival), Marianne Ways (Just For Laughs) and Katy and Karen Koren (Gilded Balloon).

McHugh, who won the contest 21 years ago, was invited to announce the winners. He remarked it was an "absolutely phenomenal" standard this year.

He added backstage: "I was so excited to take part in judging this year's So You Think You're Funny? competition. It's a great reminder of the incredible new talent breaking onto the comedy scene across the UK and I'm sure everybody at tonight's final saw some comedians who are set to do huge things in the future. Huge congrats to all 10 finalists and to Samira Banks for taking the crown - YOU WON COMEDY!!"

Banks wins a cash prize; a fully paid for solo show (or mixed bill) run as part of Gilded Balloon's Fringe programme; a paid performance slot in the Comedy Arena and weekend pass at Latitude Festival; a paid Friday spot at Glee Birmingham plus accommodation; a full weekend of paid spots at the Boat Show in London; two 7 minute spots at Just For Laughs London; a fully-paid-for recording and edit of her debut solo show, being made available on the Next Up streaming platform; a complimentary headshot photoshoot by professional photographer Steve Ullathorne; a complimentary filmed copy and professional photographs of her spot from the final to use in a showreel; and mentorship and support from the So You Think You're Funny? team.

On being announced the winner, she thanked her family, friends and "all the comedians who have supported me".

The competition, which is in its 36th year, has a track record of discovering future stand-up stars, with Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Dylan Moran and Aisling Bea amongst other acts to have found fame after winning or ranking highly.

Katy and Karen Koren, directors of Gilded Balloon, say: "Huge congratulations to Samira Banks for being named this year's So You Think You're Funny? winner! This year's competition was fierce, hence our judges submitting 10 finalists instead of the usual maximum of 9, so Samira should be incredibly proud.

"So You Think You're Funny? is the UK's longest running and most established competition of its kind and this year in particular, it's been so rewarding to see SYTYF? alumni like Shane Daniel Byrne and Kathy Maniura bring solo shows to Fringe for the first time - with sell-out crowds and 5 star reviews all round.

"We'd like to thank every single comic who entered this year's competition and we can't wait to follow the finalists' careers - we're sure in years to come they will be some of the UK's biggest comics."