'Show Me the Funny' winner announced

Pat Monahan has been named as the winner of Show Me the Funny.



Monahan beat runner-up Dan Mitchell and third-placed Tiffany Stevenson at tonight's live Hammersmith Apollo final of the reality contest, which has been searching for the country's best stand-up comedian.

The Irish-Iranian comic has now won £100,000, a multi-date UK tour throughout September, and his own stand-up DVD release this Christmas.

"I thought I was going to go out during the first week," Monahan admitted after being declared the winner. "I'm genuinely shocked."

The 35-year-old added: "I've never won a competition in my life and this is the toughest thing I've ever entered. People say it's a cliché but this really is the best day of my life by far."

Host Jason Manford said: "Comedy has never been bigger and this show has given a thoroughly deserving guy the chance to shine. Pat pulled off a brilliant gig tonight and I'm really pleased for him."

Show Me The Funny judge Kate Copstick recently described Monahan's journey as a "kind of fairytale", adding: "He's been around for about 15 years and has been doing warm-ups, which can be one of the most soul-destroying jobs in the world. He is a crowd-pleaser."

Earlier this week, 27-year-old former model Ellie Taylor was eliminated from the show. She later said: "In a way it was a relief that I didn't have to go through this horrendous process anymore.

"It has gone well though. I'm definitely my worst critic. I guess that's good because it keeps you on your toes. But I do tend to withdraw and indulge in a bit of melancholy sometimes, which isn't good when you're in this type of game."

Taylor also revealed that she finds it "weird and stupid" that gender issues still arise on the comedy circuit despite the fact that "it's not the same in any other entertainment sector".

Former circus performer Stuart Goldsmith was eliminated at the same time as Taylor.