Sir Billy Connolly hailed Janey Godley as a “great comedian” as he announced her as the winner of the inaugural Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award.

She was presented with the award at the 2023 Glasgow International Comedy Festival, which took place at the King's Theatre in the city centre. 

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Festival director Krista MacDonald and Two Doors Down star and judge, Elaine C Smith, presented the 62-year-old with the award. 

Accepting it, she said: "I can’t believe I’ve won this… If I couldn’t joke I wouldn’t be me.

"I have won an award from a man that I’ve admired since I was a child."

Glasgow Times:

The comedian was hand-picked for the award by Sir Billy himself, beating the likes of Scott Agnew, Paul Black, Craig Hill, Kieran Hodgson, and Susie McCabe.

Announcing Godley as the winner, Sir Billy said: "The winner of the award – the Billy Connolly Award believe it or not – is Janey Godley. A worthy winner.

"A worthy comedian. She’s been a pal of mine for about five or six years. We met in New Zealand when she was performing at a festival, and I took her to see my show – almost killing her on the way. I have a weird way of crossing the road.

"It took her a while to get used to it. She’s a great girl, a great comedian and an extraordinary life story to dwell on.

"I’m very proud to be part of the International Festival and I’m very proud that my drawing has been part of the trophy. It’s lovely.

"Glasgow deserves to have a comedy festival – an international comedy festival. It’s the funniest town in the world bar none, and it deserves to be at the top of the league."

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The Spirit of Glasgow award was defined by five criteria; humour, resilience, openness, depth and being unapologetic.