The National Comedy Awards are returning to Channel 4 in February 2023.

The inaugural ceremony was broadcast in March, having been delayed from 2021 due to coronavirus, but for 2023 the ceremony will be broadcast live on Friday 17th February.

The awards have been seen as a replacement for The British Comedy Awards, which ran across ITV and Channel 4 from 1990 to 2014.

Producers confirm: "Channel 4 is rolling out the red carpet to celebrate the stars of UK comedy in a glitzy awards show in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.

"Tom Allen returns to host The National Comedy Awards For Stand Up To Cancer, produced by Hungry Bear and broadcast live on Channel 4 and All4 in 2023.

"The awards see our best-loved comedy stars come together for a fun and raucous night that honours the brilliant work of the comedy world over the past year, celebrating both emerging and established British comedy talent.

"Prizes up for grabs include Best Scripted Comedy, Outstanding Comedy Actor and Actress, Best Comedy Entertainment Show, Best Comedy Podcast and Best Stand-Up Show."

The longlist of nominees has been published and voting is open until Monday 16th January 2023. thenationalcomedyawards.com

On returning to host the awards, Tom Allen says: "How did you get this number? I thought I was unlisted. Is this another prank call?! I'm the host of the National Comedy Awards For Stand Up To Cancer, I'm a very big deal, I can't have people just calling me willy-nilly. Now excuse me I have to prepare a show celebrating the brilliant funny people working on telly, on tour and online. Stop that heavy breathing, you should be ashamed of yourself. Good day to you!"

Tom Beck from Channel 4 says: "The 2022 awards were a triumphant celebration of the UK's extraordinary comedy scene, from brilliant newcomers like Munya Chawawa to legends like Sharon Horgan, Ricky Gervais and the late, great Sean Lock. It also raised a load of cash for Stand Up To Cancer. I'm thrilled we're back with Tom at the helm again - and this time, we're live!"

Dan Baldwin of production company Hungry Bear Media concludes: "We cannot wait to bring The National Comedy Awards For Stand Up To Cancer back to Channel 4. 2022 was a huge success and we had such fun celebrating all the exceptional British comedy talent. With the brilliantly funny Tom Allen once again presiding over proceedings, 2023's ceremony is shaping up to be even bigger and better. I've also just been told that it's LIVE. Can we hire extra lawyers please?"

The ceremony will take place at London's Roundhouse venue again, and tickets will be available to purchase to be in the audience.