Ipswich bingo caller crowned national champion

The big picture: Issy-Mae, who is now a live bingo host for Buzz Bingo, impressed judges with a unique ukulele performance featuring an original song at the finals held at Mecca Bingo in Wakefield on Sunday, 17 November, where over 500 people attended.

She beat more than 200 entrants to take home £1,000, a trophy and the prestigious title of National Bingo Game Caller of the Year for 2024.

Behind the scenes: Issy-Mae's journey into bingo began as a part-time job while studying performing arts at college.

"I was working on a chip van before, and my friend was working in bingo. She said 'come work for bingo, it's so much fun' - I did, and now I'm here," she told the BBC.

What they're saying: "I am so happy that I have won and crowned National Bingo Game Caller of the Year 2024! The whole day has been amazing," she said. "I want to thank everyone who came and supported me and congratulate all the other finalists for getting to the final."

Miles Baron, CEO of The Bingo Association, added: "This year's finalists were amazing, making it a tough decision to choose the winner but all judges agreed that Issy deserved to be crowned the champion."

What's next: Hunt will serve as ambassador for the Bingo Association over the next few years.

"I have no idea [what's next], but I am so, so excited to see the future. I really, really am. It's gonna be very, very exciting," Issy-Mae added.