Both the competition, in its inaugural year, and the programme will be fronted by top comic Ed Byrne (pictured, on the left), and in conjunction with the national comedy chain Jongleurs.
FHM's ‘Stand-Up Hero’ culminated in eight finalists drawn from regional heats at Reading, Leeds, Glasgow and Battersea Jongleurs competing last night (23rd Nov) at Jongleurs, Camden. The winner – London’s Marlon Davies – scooped a £5k cash prize and a residency at Jongleurs.
The competition will form the basis of the TV show which will be broadcast on ITV4 in January 2010. As well as the best of FHM Stand-Up Hero, it will also feature more established stand-up comics.
FHM magazine, published by Bauer Media, has been promoting the competition and featuring the best jokes to date. It will profile the winner, and support them over the course of 2010. The winner will also be involved in editing the Jokes page in the men’s lifestyle monthly.
FHM.com has also been broadcasting footage of the comedians in action, as well as features with Ed Byrne guiding viewers through the comedy skills needed. Radio stations including Magic 105.4, the Kiss Network, Radio Aire and Radio Clyde have also supported the competition.
The December issue of FHM, currently on sale, includes a free Comedy DVD and a special comedy section to coincide with FHM's nationwide 'Stand Up Comedy Hero' Final. The DVD features Russell Brand, Jimmy Carr, Ed Byrne, Al Murray, Rhod Gilbert, Johnny Vegas and Russell Howard. Joanna Page, star of TV’s Gavin & Stacey, features on FHM’s cover in her first ever photoshoot for a men's lifestyle magazine.
Ricky Gervais, Chris Rock and many more also contribute to the issue by revealing the secrets of being funny.
Bauer Media’s MD of Men’s Titles, Geoff Campbell, said: “FHM’s Stand-Up Hero is an exciting step forward for the FHM brand, bringing together Britain’s funniest men’s lifestyle magazine with Britain’s funniest new stand-up talent in an integrated multi-platform event across print, radio, live events and TV. We’re really excited to be working with ITV4 and such talent as Ed Byrne, Baby Cow and Signal TV.
“‘Funny’ is as core to FHM’s DNA as it is to Britain’s young men’s culture - Stand-Up Hero amplifies FHM’s comedy credentials and has created a compelling launch pad for a new generation of hilarious comedians.”
Zai Bennett, Director of ITV Digital Channels and Acquisitions, added: "We're delighted to be working with FHM, Baby Cow and Signal TV to bring Stand-Up Hero to ITV4. It's a fantastic partnership for the channel and we look forward to showcasing some of the nation’s comedy talent of the future on ITV4."
