GCU graduate wins prestigious BBC New Comedy Award

Former Glasgow School for Business and Society student Stephen Buchanan has joined an illustrious list of stand-up comics by winning the prestigious BBC New Comedy Award.

Previous winners and finalists of the award include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Joe Lycett, Josie Long, and Nina Conti.

Stephen, who graduated with BA (Hons) Marketing in 2013, received this year's prize at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where the final six acts competed to win the coveted title.

Fifty acts out of 600 made it through to one of six regional heats held across London, Manchester and Cardiff in June, with 10 of the best acts from the heats going through to the semi-finals.

As well as the award itself, Stephen's prize includes £1000 and a 15-minute script commission from BBC Studios. All six finalists will be mentored by the BBC Studios' comedy team across the year and receive advice, guidance and the chance to write for and appear in TV slots.

To view Stephen's winning set and some of his best sketches, visit BBC Scotland.