Winner of Best Debut Show at the 2026 Leicester Comedy Festival, James Ellis is an award-winning comedian and rising star in the UK comedy scene. As heard on BBC Radio 4’s Live from the UK and seen on BBC One in the BBC New Comedy Award, his sharp observational humour and clever punchlines have won him rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.

Prior to becoming a stand-up comedian, James was a plumber for over a decade, his comedy is rooted in everyday life and he has a brilliant knack for finding the funny in the mundane. A gifted writer, his jokes are well-crafted and delivered with precision and fantastic timing.

Since being named South Coast Comedian of the Year and reaching the regional finals of the BBC New Comedy Award in 2021, James has gone on to build a strong reputation on the UK circuit, including supporting Micky Flanagan, Zoe Lyons and Angela Barnes on tour.

Ellis is a “talented comedy craftsman” (Steve Bennett, Chortle) with a bright future ahead of him. If you’re looking for a good laugh on a night out, be sure to catch James live!

“James Ellis is a triple threat, he’s really very bloody funny, has a great stage presence and has the best hair in the business” – Angela Barnes

“Wonderful, wonderful jokes. James has a relaxed confidence, his set is well themed and thought out and most important of all: the gags are just funny. Really funny” – Laura Lexx