Joel Israel - The Underground Champ

"A potential star" - The Scotsman

Joel Israel has battled drugs for the sake of his wife and baby, but since coming off realises he doesn't actually have a wife or baby. He has rocked, tickled and slightly confused audiences at comedy clubs and festivals across Scotland, London and the Caribbean, and is an experienced and generous compere.

Joel has written for and performed in a range of tv and radio programmes, including the BBC's Just For Laughs, Airport, Business Breakfast and the Mark Tonderai Show. He also hosted Live TV's Stand Up Show, which drew huge audiences by being on just before Topless Darts, as well as their Club Guide.

Winner of a BBC Radio competition to find the best new black comedy writer, and named "Man of the Month" by The Voice.