Tez Ilyas is known as one of the UK's most established stand-up comedians, making him the perfect addition to any corporate, private or public event. His situational comedy centres around current affairs, holding British society to account through his stand-up and making political statements while keeping audiences in stitches with laughter. Hilarious and insightful, Tez is a multifaceted speaker who provides lighthearted and thought-provoking storytelling to a range of events.
From the moment that Tez took to the comedic circuit, he established himself as a leading talent. Within just three years, he was named a finalist in eight comedy competitions, including the BBC New Comedy Award and the prestigious Leicester Mercury New Comedian of the Year, a testament to his incomparable on-stage charm. Following such success, Tez has become a regular on British television, from Man Like Mobeen to The Last Leg and launched his primetime Channel 4 show, titled The Tez O'Clock Show. His witty take on TED Talks sold out at the Soho Theatre and was followed by a hit BBC Radio 4 series TEZ Talks. In 2018, he toured with another sell-out show, titled Teztify, a topical and hilarious reflection on society. Tez's TED Talk, titled Made in Britain, addresses race and identity within Britain in a fresh, comedic style. He published his critically acclaimed and Sunday Times bestseller memoir, 'The Secret Diary of a British Muslim', in 2021, which shares dramatic stories from his childhood. Adding to his diverse range of projects, he also co-hosts the 5-star podcast 'Making A Husband with Tez and Shy Ilyas'.
Continuing to tour the country with sold-out shows, Tez is a relevant, popular comedian who can instantly resonate with audiences. As a pioneer of diversity within comedy, he uses his platform to highlight the lack of inclusion in British television. Tez's varied range of material and extensive experience of the stage, screen and radio make him a guaranteed success with audiences of all demographics. If you are looking for a corporate entertainer, book the slick, stylish comedian, Tez.
Books
The Secret Diary of a British Muslim Aged 13 3/4
Tez Ilyas' official speaking topics are listed below:
The Outsider Advantage: Diversity, Belonging & Thriving in Any Room
"Growing up as a working-class British Pakistani Muslim in Blackburn, I was always the outsider. In the classroom, in the boardroom, on the TV screen. But what felt like a disadvantage turned out to be my greatest asset." In this honest, funny and thought-provoking talk, Tez explores what it really means to navigate spaces that weren't built for you — and how that experience builds resilience, adaptability and a unique ability to connect with anyone. Perfect for organisations committed to genuine inclusion, this isn't a diversity lecture. It's a masterclass in belonging.
Made in Britain: Identity, Integration & What Inclusion Really Looks Like
What does it actually mean to be British? Tez Ilyas has spent his career answering that question — on stage, on screen and in print. In this powerful keynote, he unpacks the complexity of modern British identity through the lens of his own life: a biochemist turned civil servant turned comedian, a Muslim kid from Blackburn who ended up on Netflix. This isn't a talk about being different. It's a talk about what happens when organisations stop treating diversity as a box to tick and start treating people as whole human beings.
Funny Business: What Comedy Teaches Us About Communication, Leadership & Connection
The best comedians in the world are master communicators. They read a room in seconds, adapt their message on the fly, land difficult truths with a smile and keep an audience hanging on every word. In this unique and genuinely entertaining keynote, award-winning comedian and broadcaster Tez Ilyas reveals the principles behind great comedy — and shows exactly how they apply to leadership, sales, public speaking and team culture. You'll laugh. You'll learn. And you'll never present to a room the same way again.
Beyond the Bubble: Regional Identity, Overlooked Talent & The Power of Where You're From
London gets all the attention. But some of Britain's sharpest minds, most loyal communities and most creative thinkers come from everywhere else. Tez Ilyas — born and raised in Blackburn, proudly Northern, proudly working class — makes the case for regional Britain in this warm and witty talk about place, class, identity and the untapped potential sitting outside the M25. Essential viewing for any organisation serious about levelling up — in every sense of the phrase.
Starting From Nothing: Grassroots Thinking, Community-Led Success & The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Tez Ilyas didn't come from money, connections or privilege. He came from Blackburn. From a Pakistani immigrant family. From a school with a GCSE pass rate of 33%. And from a career as a civil servant that he walked away from to pursue something completely different. In this honest and energising talk, Tez explores the grassroots mindset — the scrappiness, creativity and community loyalty that turns nothing into something. Ideal for entrepreneurs, small business owners and anyone who's ever been told their background is a ceiling rather than a foundation.
Official Feedback From In-Person & Virtual Events
"Radiantly entertaining!" - The Times
"Tez Ilyas’s political stand-up is candy floss with a razorblade inside: sweet and familiar at first, then shockingly, painfully sharp. It’s the kind of manoeuvre that takes serious talent to pull off." - The Telegraph
- 2024 - Co-host of podcast 'Making A Husband with Tez and Shy Ilyas'
- 2024 - Contestant on 'Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins'
- 2021 - Released debut book 'The Secret Diary of a British Muslim Aged 13 3/4'
- 2020 - Released stand-up comedy special 'Teztify' on YouTube
- 2019 - Hosted 'The Tez O'Clock Show' on Channel 4
- 2018 - Featured in Bounty, a Channel 4 comedy short
- 2018 - Played the recurring character 'Eight' on 'Man Like Mobeen'
- 2016 - Host of Tez Talks BBC Radio 4 series
- 2016 - Performed Tez Talks at London's Soho Theatre
- 2015 - Performed Tez Talks at Edinburgh Festival Fringe
- 2015 - Performed at BBC Asian Network’s comedy night
- 2015 - Performed at Eid Special Comedy Night at The Comedy Store
- 2015 - Released short film The Fast and the Fool on BBC iPlayer
- 2014 - Performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
- 2013 - Part of the Comedy Reserve at Pleasance Dome
- 2011 - Performed in Gags Songs and Bombs at Edinburgh Festival Fringe
How to hire Tez Ilyas
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Tez Ilyas for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
