North East actor and writer Elijah Young has been selected for the 2026 BBC Comedy Collective, a scheme designed to help emerging comedy talent take the next step in their careers.
Originally from Teesside, Elijah is best known for playing Stewart in BAFTA-nominated and RTS award-winning BBC sitcom Smoggie Queens and its YouTube spin-off, The Dickie Show.
The announcement comes after he recently wrapped filming on Sarnies, a BBC comedy short he wrote which was shot in Newcastle earlier this year.
Elijah is one of eleven writer/performers selected for this year’s Comedy Collective alongside creatives from across the UK.
Each recipient will receive up to £10,000 of paid shadowing on a BBC Comedy production, supported by a production mentor, as well as a £5,000 development grant. They will also have access to the BBC Comedy Commissioning team and industry ambassadors.
Emma Lawson, BBC Interim director of comedy, who happens to be from County Durham, said: “Supporting talented people both on-screen and behind the scenes to progress and build sustainable careers in comedy remains one of BBC Comedy’s most important responsibilities, which is why the Comedy Collective is such a vital programme.
“We’re incredibly proud to work with brilliant creatives from every corner of the UK, and this year’s cohort is a fantastic reflection of the breadth of comedy talent we have across the country.”
Elijah has an extensive background in theatre and was previously an associate artist at Newcastle’s Live Theatre during its 50th anniversary year, writing the main house production, The Cold Buffet.
He was also part of the BBC Writersroom North East Voices cohort in 2021 and describes his work as often centring on queer, working-class stories.
Previous recipients of BBC comedy bursaries have gone on to work on BAFTA-winning series, secure script commissions and gain broadcast credits.
The Comedy Collective also offers opportunities to develop industry connections through events, workshops and mentoring. Last year’s cohort attended the BBC Comedy Festival, Belfast Media Festival and Edinburgh TV Festival, alongside a dedicated development programme.