Tez Ilyas is a distinguished British-Pakistani stand-up comedian and actor, celebrated for his sharp wit and insightful social commentary. Born in Blackburn, Lancashire, Tez pursued a Master’s degree in biochemistry at Lancaster University before beginning a career in the civil service. His transition into comedy began in 2010 after completing a week-long open mic workshop. In just a few years, he became a finalist in numerous prestigious comedy competitions, including the BBC New Comedy Award and Leicester Mercury New Comedian of the Year, marking him out as one of the most exciting new voices in British comedy.
Tez’s breakthrough came with his debut stand-up show, TEZ Talks, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A clever parody of TED Talks, the show tackled issues of race, religion and identity with incisive humour. Its success led to a sold-out run at Soho Theatre and a spin-offBBC Radio 4 series that ran for three acclaimed seasons. His follow-up show, ‘Made in Britain’, also enjoyed a sold-out run at the Fringe and continued to blend biting satire with personal anecdotes, further solidifying Tez’s standing as a powerful and original voice in comedy.
In 2019, Tez took his talents to television, fronting his own Channel 4 satirical comedy series, The Tez O’Clock Show, which earned praise for its bold and unfiltered take on politics and pop culture. He also played the fan-favourite character 'Eight' in the BBC Three hit series, Man Like Mobeen, showcasing his range as both a comedian and actor. His TV appearances include Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, and The Last Leg, affirming his place among the UK’s top comedic talents.
Outside of performing, Tez is a published author. His debut book, ‘The Secret Diary of a British Muslim Aged 13 ¾’, was met with critical acclaim and became a Sunday Times Bestseller. It captures the hilarity and challenges of adolescence with the same wit and depth that defines his stand-up. Tez continues to tour, appear on major platforms, and engage in meaningful conversations around culture and identity - all while making audiences laugh across the country.
