Broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake is diving into the world of stand-up comedy for the first time, leaving the comfort of radio behind. Known for hosting Radio 1's weekend breakfast show and now Radio 5's Headliners interview show, Arthanayake will be making his comedic debut at London's Battersea Arts Centre this July.

This gig is part of the Sri Lankan Culture Collective festival, a celebration of the country's food and culture. Arthanayake joked, "So, instead of buying a motorbike to deal with my mid-life crisis, I have decided that I want to be a stand-up comedian. And where better to do my debut stand-up gig than surrounded by Sri Lankans who will throw piles of kotthu at me if I am rubbish."

Before his radio career, Arthanayake was a rapper known as MC Krayzee A, and he occasionally hosts Loose Ends on BBC Radio 4. He previously expressed his struggles with working in an "overwhelmingly white" environment at the BBC, which affected his mental health.

The Sri Lankan Culture Collective is thrilled to feature Arthanayake's debut, stating that he is a passionate advocate for Sri Lankan diaspora arts and culture. The event also features performances by Eshaan Akbar, Stella Graham, Hari Kanth, Dipak Patel, and Dushy Gnanakumar. For those daring enough to witness this comedy debut, tickets are available here.