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A whole host of Bradford-born celebrities, including Anita Rani, Kimberley Walsh, Steven Frayne (aka Dynamo) and Jonny Bairstow, are backing a ´óÏó´«Ã½ talent search to find the next ‘voice of Bradford’, ahead of the UK City of Culture 2025.

The New Voices Bradford winner, or winners, will get the opportunity to join the ´óÏó´«Ã½ team to help report upon the year of culture across TV, radio, digital and online.

Find details of all our finalists below.

NAME: Ibrahim Flaherty

LOCATION: I am from Manningham in Bradford.

I entered because I think Bradford does not get enough credit for the things it’s got going on and us young people get overlooked quite a lot. It’s a brilliant place with brilliant people and I want to be the person that let’s everyone know that.

NAME: Humaira Bham

LOCATION: I'm from Batley.

I entered new voices Bradford because I spent a lot of time in Bradford growing up and I currently work in the city. I meet people from all walks of life as an Optometrist so I understand just how special the community are and how it is a melting pot for different people and cultures’.

NAME: Ifra Khan

LOCATION: Slough

Being the new voice of Bradford would allow me to shape the city's narrative, infusing it with my passion and personality, while also connecting deeply with its diverse and vibrant community, making a lasting impact through my words.

NAME: Irene Kaali

LOCATION: I was born, raised & currently living in good ol’ Bradford.

I decided to enter because I instinctively saw this as an utter privilege to represent my home town! People often think they’ve got to move to London or any other major city to do what they love or be successful but Bradford has been so kind to me for so long and continues to be! I truly believe that this is a city full of opportunity and SUPPORT more than anything and I want the world to know about it!

NAME: Tehseen Jawaid

LOCATION: Bradford

I believe I am the ideal candidate to become the new voice of Bradford due to my creativity and significant following. My ability to think innovatively sets me apart. As the first South Asian muppet puppeteer in all of Europe, I bring a unique perspective. Moreover, my character, Nana G, embodies the experiences of migrants who moved from Pakistan to the UK in the 60s and 70s, representing their rich history and culture.

NAME: Samuel Blanchard

LOCATION: Saltaire

I entered this competition simply because I understand Bradford, I get it, and I want more people to get it as well. I think I can be the one to change people's perceptions of who we are as Bradfordians and what we're all about.

NAME: Suraj Mitra

LOCATION: Bradford

Bradford is great. Bradford is home. It’s rich in culture, everyone gets along. It’s just a happy place to be. The different types of cultures, faces and backgrounds we have in Bradford is amazing. I’m a proud Bradfordian and I love to put a smile on people faces.

NAME: Bethany Louise Smith

LOCATION: Bradford

I put myself forward for this opportunity because I have a huge passion for Bradford and most importantly, the people who reside here and make the city what it is; to be a part of telling their story and ‘unearthing’ who the people of Bradford are would be an unprecedented privilege.

NAME: Firzana Lemal

LOCATION: Pudsey

I entered the competition to be the new voice, because if anyone can show the world how awesome Bradford is it’s me. I am super excited to have been shortlisted, so looking forward to the Finale.

NAME: Sonya Kumar

LOCATION: Leeds

Bradford’s community is one worth celebrating, and my experience of working with thousands of young people across Bradford, coupled with my passion for presenting, means this is an opportunity that really means something to me. I would be honoured to celebrate the people of Bradford and everything the brilliant City has to offer.

NAME: Charles Humphreys

LOCATION: Keighley

I entered the ´óÏó´«Ã½ New Voices Bradford because I wanted to represent the Bradford that I know and love. This community of working-class individuals, creative artists, diverse cultures, and ongoing growth of local talent. I am eager to use my voice to bring attention to the unsung heroes in our district, as well as celebrate the success of Bradford.

NAME: Danny Sapko

LOCTAION: I'm from BD9 and now living in Bingley.

I'm a professional musician and content creator, and when I saw the audition for ´óÏó´«Ã½ New Voices, I thought it would be a great way for me to share my knowledge and passion for Bradford! I'm so pleased I've made it through to the final and it would be an honour and a privilege for me to tell the world about our wonderful city!

NAME: Mehmoona Pervaz

LOCATION: Manningham, Bradford

I entered as I had been sent the promo video of Nohail speaking about the city of culture by several of my friends and family. He also encouraged me to enter. I love Bradford, it is brimming with beautiful people who have such inspiring stories. I think that the young people of Bradford are extremely hardworking and give the city so much potential. I am so proud to be from Bradford.

NAME: Olivia Wright

LOCATION: Great Horton, Bradford

The people of this city can be truly inspirational. We’re the City of Culture, you have all these people from all these different places and different backgrounds coming together and creating a society. I feel like it needs to be shared, as Bradford is such a unique place. The way I love Bradford, I would love for other people to love it the same way.