Search is on for popular joker

Forget Pop Idol - BritishTV chiefs are launching a hunt for a ‘‘quip idol’’ as they trawl pubs and clubs for top comics, it was announced today.

Programme-makers are looking for laughs by finding a promising comedian in forthcoming ITV1 show Stand Up Britain.

And the winner could land their own show as well as a cash prize of £5,000 (€8,000) during the series which will see around 140 acts filmed.

Six ITV regions - LWT, Anglia, Meridian, Tyne Tees, Granada and Yorkshire - will be taking part in the search with viewers choosing their favourites.

The series will culminate in an hour-long grand final.

Sean Miller, producer of Stand Up Britain, said: ‘‘Stand Up Britain is a great chance to find new talent from all over the UK - and to make 2002 a year to remember for the winner.’’

Co-producer Kirsty Smith adds: ‘‘We’re hoping the standard of entries will be high, but of course, whittling out the good from the bad should also prove to be entertaining viewing. Who knows? The next Lee Evans, Harry Hill, or Johnny Vegas could be discovered.’’

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