Tez Ilyas is a British stand-up comedian, actor, and writer of Pakistani descent. His entry into comedy began in 2010 after attending an open mic workshop, prompting him to leave his civil service job and pursue a career in comedy.
Ilyas quickly made a name for himself on the comedy circuit, reaching eight competition finals within three years, including the BBC New Comedy Award. His debut stand-up show, Tez Talks, a comedic interpretation of TED Talks, sold out at the Soho Theatre in 2015 and led to a successful BBC Radio 4 series, with subsequent series commissioned.
His later shows, Made in Britain and Teztify, received critical acclaim and commercial success. Made in Britain sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016 and resulted in a nationwide tour. Teztify tackled themes of national identity and race, offering a thought-provoking hour of stand-up.
Ilyas has also made significant contributions to television, notably starring in the BBC Three series Man Like Mobeen and hosting The Tez O'Clock Show on Channel 4. His work on the latter was well-received, featuring a mix of comedians, sketches, and celebrity guests.
In addition to stand-up, Ilyas ventured into writing with his debut novel, The Secret Diary of a British Muslim Aged 13 3/4, published in 2021 and becoming a Sunday Times Bestseller in 2022. His latest tour, After Eight, announced in 2024, has seen high demand, leading to additional shows.
Ilyas's political stand-up combines sharp wit with insightful social commentary, often described as "candyfloss with a razor blade inside." He remains a significant figure in British comedy, known for his ability to connect with diverse audiences through his work in stand-up, television, and writing.
