The BBC New Comedy Awards - the nationwide talent search to find the best new stand-up, sketch and musical comedians - is back for 2023.

Six regional heats are due to be filmed this September and October across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with the resultant shows then broadcast on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer from October. The final, filmed in a city yet to be confirmed, will then be on BBC One in November.

For 2023, the head judge will be Josh Pugh, and he will be joined in each location by a different host and panel of judges.

The location line-up is as follows, with the comedians taking part revealed nearer the time.

Sunderland: 13th September

In the Northern England heat, the host will be Josh Jones, and the judges will be Ahir Shah and Amy Gledhill. The venue is Sunderland Fire Station. sunderlandculture.org.uk

Leith: 15th September

The Scottish heat, in Leith, will be hosted by Larry Dean, with guest judges Richard Gadd and Susie McCabe. It's happening at Leith Theatre in Edinburgh. Tickets

Ballymena: 18th September

The Northern Irish heat in Ballymena will be hosted by Shane Todd, with judges Martin Angolo and Diona Doherty. The venue is The Braid Theatre. Tickets

Bethnal Green: 2nd October

The London borough of hosts the Southern England heat, with host Laura Smyth joined by the York Hall venue by Michael Odewale and Fatiha El-Ghorri. Tickets

Nottingham: 4th October

In the Midlands heat, at Nottingham Albert Hall, will be hosted by Helen Bauer, and the judges will be Thanyia Moore and Colin Hoult. Tickets

Bangor: 6th October

Bangor's Theatr Bryn Terfel will host the Wales and the West heat, with Kiri Pritchard-McLean as MC, Mike Bubbins and Sikisa as the judges. Tickets